President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled a surprising initiative to nominate former Congressman Billy Long as the new IRS Commissioner, signaling a significant change in leadership and potential policy redirection.
Amidst ongoing discussions about IRS funding and modernization, President-elect Trump declared his intention to appoint former Missouri Congressman Billy Long as the new head of the IRS, replacing Danny Werfel prior to the end of his term in 2027 according to The Government Executive.
Billy Long, a Republican who served six terms in Congress, is noted for his lack of direct experience in tax policy. Despite this, he has been chosen to lead an agency currently under transformation, fueled by significant funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Under the current Commissioner, Danny Werfel, appointed by President Biden in 2022, the IRS has embarked on implementing reforms focusing on improved customer service, technological advancements, and heightened enforcement against affluent individuals and corporations.
Controversially, Long has been a proponent of eliminating the IRS in favor of a national sales tax and has supported legislation that would prevent IRS employees from joining unions, reflecting his distinct approach towards tax administration.
Since his departure from Congress in 2023, Long has been advising business owners on navigating tax laws, potentially shaping his perspective on IRS operations.
Trump praised Long's work ethic and respect within Congress, believing that his leadership style would be well-received by both IRS employees and taxpayers.
Senator Ron Wyden, however, has voiced significant concerns regarding Long's nomination. He criticizes the move as an attempt by Trump to gain more control over the IRS, suggesting that the nomination is less about improving the agency and more about exerting influence.
Wyden has raised questions about Long's suitability for the role, given his past involvement with industries plagued by fraud. He promises to closely scrutinize Long's nomination process.
On the other hand, Werfel has advocated for consistent and secure funding to ensure the IRS can continue its modernization and service improvements.
The IRS is currently appealing to Congress to release $20 billion in frozen funds from the IRA to facilitate ongoing reforms. This comes after a recent debt limit agreement already reduced the initially allocated $80 billion by $20 billion.
Moreover, the IRS has expanded its workforce significantly and is in the process of overhauling its tax administration system, aiming to replace its outdated 1960s-era infrastructure by the following summer.
The future of the IRS's free online filing tool, Direct File, hangs in balance amid opposition from some Republicans and tax preparation companies, despite plans to expand the service across 24 states next year.
Charles Rettig, Trump's former IRS Commissioner, has urged lawmakers to foster trust and respect for the IRS, cautioning against politicizing the agency for personal gains.
As Long prepares to step into his new role, if confirmed, the IRS and its stakeholders are positioned at a crossroads between legacy tax policies and proposed reforms that could reshape the agency's functioning and public perception.
The confirmation process for Long is anticipated to be contentious, with sharp divisions between supporters who view him as a reformer and critics who see his appointment as a strategic maneuver by Trump to assert more direct control over the IRS.
