As enrolled agents assisting clients with federal and state tax matters, staying informed on the latest IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) developments is crucial. Below is a curated summary of press releases and news items from the past week, including key highlights relevant to your practice, along with direct links to the source materials.
1. IRS News Releases
IR-2026-92, Aug. 18, 2026 — IRS, Security Summit remind tax pros they need a Written Information Security Plan
The IRS and Security Summit partners reminded tax professionals that federal law (the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) requires firms to maintain a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) to protect client data, and pointed to IRS Publication 5708 as a template.
What it means for practice: If your firm has not documented and tested a WISP, this is a compliance gap the IRS is actively highlighting – now is a good time to review or create one.
Read more →
IR-2026-93, Aug. 19, 2026 — Treasury, IRS propose rules to protect refundable tax credits from abuse by illegal aliens
Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations clarifying eligibility requirements for taxpayer-funded refundable individual income tax credits.
What it means for practice: Preparers claiming refundable credits (EITC, CTC, etc.) for clients should watch for updated eligibility documentation requirements once these regulations are finalized.
Read more →
IR-2026-94, Aug. 19, 2026 — IRS updates FAQs about the limitation on the deduction for business interest expense
The IRS refreshed its frequently asked questions covering the Section 163(j) business interest expense limitation.
What it means for practice: If you prepare returns for clients with significant business debt, review the updated FAQs before finalizing interest expense calculations.
Read more →
IR-2026-95, Aug. 19, 2026 — IRS establishes Office of Conservation Easements and transitions settlement process
The IRS announced a new Office of Conservation Easements to address the specialized tax, valuation, contractual, and procedural issues these easements present.
What it means for practice: Practitioners with clients involved in conservation or historic preservation easement transactions, including pending settlements, should note this new dedicated office as a point of contact.
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IR-2026-96, Aug. 20, 2026 — Treasury, IRS issue proposed regulations on eligible investments for Trump Accounts
Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations on eligible investments for Trump Accounts, a new type of traditional IRA created under the Working Families Tax Cuts.
What it means for practice: If clients are asking about opening Trump Accounts, these proposed regulations define what investments will qualify – useful for early client guidance.
Read more →
IR-2026-97, Aug. 20, 2026 — IRS launches digitally authenticated Tax Compliance Report
The IRS announced a new digitally authenticated Tax Compliance Report, available on demand through IRS Individual Online Account, that taxpayers can use when applying for a job, loan, or government benefit requiring proof of tax compliance.
What it means for practice: This gives clients a faster, self-service alternative to requesting compliance verification through your office or a transcript request.
Read more →
IR-2026-98, Aug. 21, 2026 — Interest rates remain the same for the fourth quarter of 2026
The IRS announced that interest rates on underpayments and overpayments will remain unchanged for the calendar quarter beginning Oct. 1, 2026.
What it means for practice: No adjustment needed to your Q4 interest calculations for installment agreements, refunds, or balance-due notices.
Read more →
2. Oklahoma Tax Commission & State Tax News
Aug. 18, 2026 — Oklahoma State Treasurer: July Economic Outlook Shows Continued Growth as Oklahoma Economy Cools
State Treasurer Todd Russ released the July 2026 Economic Outlook Report. Gross Production Tax revenue declined compared to July 2025, though the rolling 12-month trend continued to show growth. Manufacturing activity kept expanding, but hiring remained cautious. Oklahoma's unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.2%, and inflation showed more moderate growth (CPI up 0.1% in July, PCE inflation easing to 3.7% year-over-year). Average WTI crude reached $80.46 in July with rig counts rising to 50.
What it means for practice: Useful talking points for clients asking about the broader Oklahoma economy, particularly energy-sector and small-business clients tracking gross production tax trends and hiring conditions.
Read more →
Aug. 18, 2026 — State Question 844: Property Tax Reimbursement Reform on the August 25 Ballot
State Question 844, appearing on Oklahoma ballots Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, would amend the state constitution so the Legislature is no longer required to reimburse counties, cities, and school districts for ad valorem revenue lost when new or expanding manufacturing facilities use the state's five-year property tax exemption. Educators have raised concerns about the potential impact on school funding.
What it means for practice: Clients with manufacturing or ad valorem exemption interests, as well as those advising school districts or municipalities, should watch the outcome of this vote closely – it directly affects how these exemptions are funded going forward.
Read more →
Aug. 21, 2026 — Oklahoma Tax Commission Hiring Announcement
The OTC posted on X announcing new job openings and directing applicants to the state jobs portal.
What it means for practice: Worth a mention if you have staff or colleagues interested in state tax administration roles.
Read more →
3. Upcoming OSEA Events
Northeast Oklahoma Chapter Seminar — Offers in Compromise with the Oklahoma Tax Commission
Friday, August 28, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (presentation begins 12:30 PM)
The Big Biscuit, 5335 E 41st Street (41st and Yale), Tulsa, OK 74135
James Adelman, EA — Past President of both NAEA and OSEA — kicks off OSEA's new Oklahoma Tax Commission representation series with a session on negotiating offers in compromise with the OTC, covering eligibility, financial analysis, documentation, and negotiation strategy. No charge for the program; attendees pay for their own meal. Note: this program is not eligible for IRS CE credit.
Register →
OSEA Education Committee Meeting
Friday, September 4, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Zoom
A regular meeting of the OSEA Education Committee. All members and associates are welcome to join and help plan educational events for 2026 and beyond.
Register →
4. Annual Seminars
2026 OSEA Northeast Annual Seminar — October 29–30, 2026
Northeastern State University – Broken Arrow, 3100 New Orleans Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74014
Up to 16 CE units available, in-person or online via Zoom (link provided one week before the event).
Headliners Marc J Dombrowski, EA and Jane Ryder, EA CPA, will deliver 15 CE hours combined. Dombrowski covers financial analysis, streamlined installment agreements, offers in compromise, appeals, and Collection Due Process; Ryder covers ethics, Name/Image/Likeness income, maximizing QBI, stock options, and tax planning for businesses and rentals. IRS Stakeholder Liaison Mercean Lam will present CE-eligible IRS topics, and Mike Kaufmann will present a non-CE hour on Oklahoma tax updates. Lunch is provided both days for on-site attendees.
Pricing: OSEA members $300, nonmembers $350. Early-bird pricing is in effect – act before it ends! (Members/nonmembers who attended both 2025 conferences may qualify for special discounted rates via a code sent by email.)
Attend both the OKC and NE OK conferences and save $25 on a 2027 event!
Register →
2026 OSEA Oklahoma City Annual Seminar — November 12–13, 2026
Rose State College, 1720 Hudiburg Drive, Midwest City, OK 73110
Up to 16 CE units available, in-person or online.
Headliners David L Mellem, EA and Mary Mellem, EA, will deliver 15 CE hours covering Federal Tax Updates, Amended Tax Returns, an "Ask" session, Basis Rules for Property Received Through Gift/Inheritance/Divorce, Business Credits, Teens and Taxes, Ethics, and Bankruptcy. Mike Kaufmann will present a non-CE hour on Oklahoma tax updates, and IRS Stakeholder Liaison Mercean Lam will present a CE-eligible hour on multiple tax topics. Taxpayer Advocate Service availability is still TBD. Lunch is provided both days for on-site attendees.
Pricing: OSEA members $350, nonmembers $400. Early-bird pricing is in effect – act before it ends! (Members/nonmembers who attended both 2025 conferences may qualify for special discounted rates via a code sent by email.)
Attend both the OKC and NE OK conferences and save $25 on a 2027 event!
Register →
The Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents (OSEA) is a professional organization dedicated to representing and supporting enrolled agents in Oklahoma through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Visit us at EAOK.org for more information and resources.
