Summer Tax School to address key 2026 agricultural tax changes

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Registration is open for University of Missouri Extension’s Summer Tax School, July 1 in Columbia. The one-day program is designed specifically for tax preparers who work with farmers, ranchers and rural businesses.

As agricultural tax regulations evolve and the needs of filers grow more complex, tax preparers need timely, accurate and practical education, says event organizer Mary Sobba, an MU Extension agricultural business specialist. The 2026 Summer Tax School promises to be one of the most relevant yet, Sobba says.

“Tax professionals serving agricultural and rural clients face a complex landscape, and staying current is essential,” she says. “The Summer Tax School’s mission is to make sure those professionals have the tools and knowledge they need to serve clients well.”

The 2026 Summer Tax School will feature three nationally recognized expert speakers:

• Roger McEowen, Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law.
• Catherine Murphy, CPA and 30-year IRS veteran now in private practice.
• Andrew Zumwalt, CFP and chair of the MU Personal Financial Planning program.

Session topics

• Federal tax update/new cases. A review of the past year's most important federal tax developments, including key court cases and IRS administrative guidance.
• Rural Opportunity Zones. Compare Section 1031 exchanges with Rural Opportunity Zone investments to identify deferral strategies for clients ahead of 2026 deadlines.
• Retirement issues. Examine the top threats to farmers’ retirement security, from depreciation recapture to Charitable Remainder Trusts and land sale gain.
• Trump Account strategies. A practical guide to Trump Accounts, covering eligibility, contribution limits, tax treatment and key planning and compliance considerations.
• Infinite banking. Learn how farmers can use high-cash-value life insurance to finance equipment and land while building a tax-advantaged retirement reserve.
• Planning for the future. Explore succession and estate planning strategies, including step-up basis planning and options to portability.
• IRS updates: The latest IRS system changes, new online fraud-reporting tools and priority taxpayer issues.
• Top legal and tax issues for farmers. A focused look at the five most overlooked legal and tax issues.
• Public benefit corporations. Compare LLC and public benefit corporation structures to help mission-driven farm clients align social goals with tax efficiency under current rules.
• Fertilizer supply. A guide to claiming residual fertilizer supply deductions, covering qualifying elements, documentation requirements, and reporting procedures.

Details and registration. For more information, call the MU Extension Center in Audrain County at 573-581-3231.

The 2026 Summer Tax School offers eight hours of continuing education credit with the IRS and Missouri Bar CLE.

Discounted pricing is available through June 18. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

Sobba says the Summer Tax School is part of MU Extension’s broader commitment to supporting farm service providers. In 2025 alone, programming delivered 3,856 hours of continuing education credits to nearly 400 accountants, certified tax preparers and tax lawyers.

“The MU tax school is my annual update source for federal farm tax issues, and it covers Missouri tax issues as well,” said an attendee from Appleton City. “Tax School has been invaluable to my work serving farmers and preparing farm tax returns.”

Participants rate MU Extension’s tax education highly, averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars for value per dollar spent, Sobba says. Many report feeling more confident and better prepared to guide clients through business and individual tax issues, she says.