09/10/2026
# # Client Alert: IRS Announces Conservation Easement Office and Settlement Changes
On **August 19, 2026**, the IRS announced a new **Office of Conservation Easements** to centralize expertise and coordinate policy, enforcement, and case-resolution strategy for conservation and historic preservation easement matters. [IRS establishes Office of Conservation Easements and transitions settlement process | Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-establishes-office-of-conservation-easements-and-transitions-settlement-process)
The IRS also ended its current **uniform settlement initiative** and will no longer issue additional uniform settlement letters under the May 13 program. Deadlines for accepting previously issued offers have been withdrawn, but prior elections to participate remain in effect and will be processed under their terms. [IRS establishes Office of Conservation Easements and transitions settlement process | Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-establishes-office-of-conservation-easements-and-transitions-settlement-process)
Taxpayers with pending cases may still request settlement through their assigned IRS examination or Chief Counsel representative. If eligible, the IRS may issue a new offer on the same standardized terms, but the IRS emphasized that this change does **not** signal a new or more favorable settlement offer. [IRS establishes Office of Conservation Easements and transitions settlement process | Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-establishes-office-of-conservation-easements-and-transitions-settlement-process)
**Practical takeaway:** Taxpayers with pending conservation or historic preservation easement disputes should review their case status, confirm whether any prior settlement election remains in effect, and continue working directly with their IRS or Chief Counsel contact on settlement options. [IRS establishes Office of Conservation Easements and transitions settlement process | Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-establishes-office-of-conservation-easements-and-transitions-settlement-process)
