President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Missouri Congressman Billy Long to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), signaling a significant shift for the agency. Long’s appointment will replace current Commissioner Danny Werfel, a Biden appointee whose term was set to expire in 2027. The move suggests a potential overhaul of the IRS during a time when its role and funding are at the center of intense political debate.
The IRS Transformation Under Scrutiny
The IRS has been undergoing a major transformation, supported by the $80 billion funding boost provided by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. While Democrats argue that this investment is essential for targeting tax evasion and modernizing the agency, Republicans remain skeptical. Many, including Long, have advocated for dismantling the IRS altogether, fearing that increased enforcement could unfairly target middle-class Americans.
The funding allocation has already faced resistance. In 2023, Republicans successfully clawed back $20 billion from the original IRS budget increase. Further budget cuts could become a key priority for Trump, who has tasked Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with spearheading a commission to slash federal spending.
One of the initiatives launched under Werfel’s leadership—a free tax filing program called Direct File—has faced significant Republican opposition. Critics label the program “unnecessary,” reflecting broader concerns over the agency’s spending priorities. Despite this, the IRS’s enhanced enforcement has collected $1.3 billion in overdue taxes from wealthy households, underscoring its potential to reduce the federal deficit.
Billy Long’s Background and Vision
Billy Long served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023, focusing on committees related to energy, homeland security, and infrastructure but lacking direct tax policy experience. During his tenure, he co-sponsored bills to abolish the IRS and replace federal income taxes with a national sales tax.
Since leaving Congress, Long has worked as a certified tax and business adviser, assisting small businesses in navigating complex IRS regulations. He has also focused on helping clients file claims for pandemic-era employee retention tax credits, emphasizing ethical practices to ensure only eligible applicants benefit.
Trump praised Long’s qualifications, stating, “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm. He is the consummate ‘people person,’ well-respected on both sides of the aisle.” Long’s history as a professional auctioneer—famously using his skills to counter a protester during a congressional hearing—adds a colorful dimension to his leadership style.
Looking Ahead: IRS Under New Leadership
Long’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the IRS. With debates over enforcement, funding, and modernization continuing to dominate political discourse, his leadership will likely shape the agency’s direction for years to come. As Trump’s pick, Long is expected to champion policies aligning with Republican priorities, potentially reshaping the IRS’s mission and approach.
Whether Long can balance political demands with the operational needs of the IRS remains to be seen. However, his experience as a small-business adviser and his “people-first” approach could bring a fresh perspective to an agency under intense scrutiny.
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