Steven Oakes

Steven Oakes is a Client Engagement Manager in the Property Tax group at Merit Advisors, where he specializes in severance tax deductions and incentives in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Louisiana.

Steven joined Merit in 2024, bringing more than 10 years of experience in the oil and gas industry including both in-house roles and consulting experience. Previously, he was a manager in the Corporate Transformation Tax group at Alvarez & Marsal, where he advised exploration and production companies on tax matters. Prior to that, Steven was a Senior in the Indirect Tax Group at EY, where he arrived with more than six years of experience as a revenue analyst in the oil and gas industry.

Steven earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Oklahoma. He is an Accredited Petroleum Accountant (APA) and a past board member of the Oklahoma City COPAS chapter.

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Rewards of Merit

Explore our case studies to see how Merit helps energy companies unlock trapped value.

Wiping Out Tax Liabilities for Non-Op Interests

Royalties & Non-Op
Case Study

This operator engaged Merit to minimize property tax liabilities for its mineral holdings by reducing the working interest values.

Fixing a Mineral Interest Mistake to Secure Big Savings

Royalties & Non-Op
Case Study

This large operator turned to Merit after a state Tax Commission error resulted in an unfair valuation.

Reducing Inflated Assessments the Competition Overlooked

Downstream
Case Study

Unhappy with its prior tax consultant, this petrochemical facility wanted a partner who could reduce its ad valorem assessments.