Highlights from Recent TXCPA-IRS Meeting
At the June 5, 2026, TXCPA-IRS biannual meeting, IRS representatives and tax professionals discussed key updates and emerging issues. The meeting provided an opportunity to share information and address topics affecting taxpayers and the tax profession.
By Aaron Klein, CPA-East Texas
On June 5, 2026, members of TXCPA's Relations with the IRS Committee and other tax professional organizations met with IRS representatives at the Federal Building in Farmers Branch for their biannual meeting. IRS attendees included representatives from the Stakeholder Liaison’s Office, the local Taxpayer Advocate’s Office, Field Collection, Chief Counsel, Criminal Investigation and SBSE Exam.
Attendees received updates on emerging IRS issues and participated in a roundtable discussion addressing systemic challenges observed by the practitioner community.
Topics included the following:
- Stakeholder Liaison Sheba Gonzalez shared a data breach update. The IRS continues to see an increase in activity targeting tax practitioners, including both client data and practitioners’ EFIN information. Practitioners are advised to implement multi-factor authentication across all software, remain vigilant when handling emails that appear to be from the IRS, and maintain and follow a current Written Information Security Plan (WISP).
- IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are upcoming. Dates include July 7-9, Aug. 4-6, Sept. 1-3, and Sept. 15-17. Practitioners can find out more information and register for the forums online at https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/irs-nationwide-tax-forum-information.
- Field Collection’s Territory Manager Claude Watkins updated on their streamlined payment plan processes in an effort to get more taxpayers qualified. He also highlighted their focus on equipping IRS employees with the tools they need.
- Ashley Brannan with Chief Council updated us on their staffing and the consolidation for SBSE and LB&I into a single Litigation and Advisory Department.
- Criminal Investigation’s David Denning and Eunice Cho provided an update on its potential realignment and the reorganization of the DOJ Tax Division. They also noted ongoing support for other federal agencies, including assistance with World Cup security efforts. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of vigilance against scams – such as fake IRS websites and fraudulent VRBO listings – and encouraged practitioners to report suspected fraud using Form 3949.
- SBSE Exam’s Lasaros Papanatassiou highlighted the focus on improving services and implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). It continues to target bad preparers, abusive tax schemes and non-compliance. Current audits are being assigned on a FIFO basis and are generally handled within the taxpayer’s local IRS area.
- Dallas’ new Acting Local Taxpayer Advocate is Doralisa Saldana, who introduced her background with TAS and outlined goals for the Dallas office. She also noted that the recently implemented Case Management System is centralizing TAS case management, improving visibility into case history and increasing overall efficiency.
- Senior Stakeholder Liaison Velena McRae provided updates on Trump accounts, highlighted changes to the IRS Notice CP53E FAQ on the webpage and reminded attendees that collection season began on June 1.
Overall, the meeting was productive, allowing both sides to address key priorities, resolve or raise important issues for IRS awareness, discuss and elevate potential systemic matters, and share current IRS information campaigns with practitioners.
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