WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury unveiled a series of major updates this week, ranging from fee reductions for tax preparers and new guidance on rural investment zones to relief for taxpayers impacted by conflict in Israel.
On Monday, Treasury and the IRS announced new regulations cutting the user fee for tax professionals applying for or renewing a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from $11 to $10, plus an $8.75 third-party processing charge. The change, effective Oct. 16, will impact roughly 900,000 filers each renewal cycle. Officials said the adjustment reflects lower administrative costs following a biennial review.
Separately, the agencies issued guidance expanding Opportunity Zone benefits for rural areas under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The new rules redefine “rural” as regions outside towns with populations over 50,000 and halve the required investment threshold for property improvements in rural Qualified Opportunity Zones from 100% to 50%. The move aims to spur development across more than 3,300 underserved zones.
In another development, the IRS announced extended tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by ongoing terror-related events in Israel. Taxpayers in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank now have until Sept. 30, 2026, to file returns and make payments. The agency said the relief, first introduced after the 2023 attacks, automatically applies to those with a filing address in the affected regions.
The IRS also issued a nationwide call for volunteers to join its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs ahead of the upcoming filing season. These no-cost tax preparation initiatives serve low-income taxpayers, seniors, and those with limited English proficiency. Training and certification are provided at no cost.
Finally, the IRS Independent Office of Appeals launched a two-year pilot program to expand its Post Appeals Mediation process, giving taxpayers a faster, lower-cost path to resolve disputes before litigation. The pilot introduces an independent appeals team to facilitate accelerated mediation sessions designed to “find common ground” between taxpayers and the agency.
Acting Appeals Chief John Hinding said the effort reflects a broader push toward efficiency. “Appeals is committed to offering alternative dispute resolution programs as a cost-effective option for resolving cases,” he said.
Together, the week’s announcements highlight the IRS’s dual focus on modernization, taxpayer relief, and efficiency ahead of the 2026 filing season.
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