WASHINGTON — In a recent communication to IRS staff, Commissioner Daniel Werfel announced his decision to resign from his role on the day of the presidential inauguration for President-elect Donald Trump, which will take place on January 20, 2025.
Werfel expressed that after thorough reflection and discussions with colleagues, he believes stepping down is the most supportive action he can take for a smooth transition within the agency. “Departing from a role I cherish is difficult, but I find solace knowing that the dedicated civil service leaders and employees at the IRS will continue to effectively manage the organization until a new Commissioner is appointed,” he stated in his message to IRS personnel.
Although Werfel’s term was originally set to continue until 2027, his choice to leave at this time is quite uncommon, as IRS commissioners usually serve through different presidential administrations. He began his term in March 2023 under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and was expected to remain in the position until November 2027, when Trump, a Republican, would have taken over.
In December, Trump unveiled his intention to nominate Billy Long, a former congressman from Missouri, for the position of IRS commissioner. Long’s background includes experience as an auctioneer and he served six terms in the House of Representatives.
Werfel added that while he initially planned to fulfill his full term, the President-elect’s announcement about Long’s nomination influenced his decision. He noted the encouragement he received from those hoping he would remain in his role, emphasizing the responsibility of civil servants to ensure the incoming Commissioner is well-prepared for their new position.
Democrats have voiced concerns regarding Long’s nomination, with Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon labeling it as “a bizarre choice.”
Initially, the IRS benefitted from an $80 billion funding boost from the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, but this funding has already been partially rescinded. The recent debt ceiling deal and budget agreement between the Biden administration and congressional Republicans led to a $1.4 billion reduction in IRS funding, alongside a commitment to redirect an additional $20 billion over the next two years from the agency to other nondefense initiatives.
While Trump has frequently discussed his tax plans, he has not provided details concerning the IRS specifically or explicitly indicated any plans to reduce its budget. Nonetheless, he has reiterated a discredited assertion that the agency would employ 87,000 armed agents to enforce tax compliance.
