IRS Leadership Shift Sparks Uncertainty Amid Personnel Changes

Clear Facts

• The Senate confirmed former Missouri Republican Rep. Billy Long as the IRS commissioner with a 53-44 vote.
• Long previously attempted to dismantle the IRS and advocated for replacing the federal income tax with a sales tax.
• The IRS has experienced significant personnel changes, losing 31% of its revenue agents due to layoffs and resignations.

In a significant development, the Senate has confirmed former Missouri Republican Representative Billy Long as the new commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The confirmation vote concluded with a 53-44 majority in favor of Long, marking a pivotal moment for the agency.

During his twelve-year tenure in Congress, Long was known for his efforts to dismantle the IRS through various legislative measures. He advocated for replacing the federal income tax with a sales tax, a move that aligns with his broader vision for tax reform.

“If confirmed, my goal is to modernize and streamline the IRS, so we are collecting the maximum amount owed each year,” Long stated in a written testimony back in May.

The confirmation of Long comes at a time when the IRS is undergoing significant changes. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been implementing operational shifts, leading to a 31% reduction in revenue agents due to firings and deferred resignation plans.

According to reports, DOGE accused the IRS of mismanaging taxpayer information, prompting these drastic measures.

A Treasury spokeswoman highlighted the changes within the agency, stating, “The Biden Administration grew the IRS from 79,431 to 102,309 personnel. Under new leadership, approximately the same number of employees have left the IRS, with a vast majority leaving voluntarily through the Deferred Resignation Program.”

This development is part of a broader narrative concerning the IRS’s role and efficiency, with former President Trump also expressing his preference for a tariff-based government revenue system instead of the current tax structure.

As this story unfolds, further updates are anticipated to shed more light on the implications of Long’s leadership and the future direction of the IRS.

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