Talking Tax Help Wanted: Top Job at IRS Open After Confirmed Chief Splits
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Aug 13, 2025 Erin Slowey, a Bloomberg Tax reporter specializing in IRS leadership changes, dives deep into the chaos at the IRS following the departure of former Commissioner Billy Long. She discusses the implications of high turnover, with seven leaders since 2025, and how this instability affects taxpayer trust. Slowey highlights the challenges facing new nominees, particularly in terms of qualifications and public scrutiny. The conversation also touches on the impact of political uncertainty and the crucial Senate confirmation process for a new IRS leader.
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Unprecedented Turnover At The IRS
- The IRS has had unusually high turnover with seven leaders in 2025, signaling instability at the agency's top.
- Frequent leadership changes make long-term planning and consistent policy execution difficult.
Job Is Politically Hazardous
- The IRS is broadly unpopular and highly visible, making its leader an easy target for criticism.
- Under this administration the agency is being pulled into political priorities, raising the job's risks.
Short Tenures Reduce Candidate Interest
- The administration appears willing to cycle leaders rapidly rather than keep long-term appointments.
- That lack of tenure reduces incentives for qualified candidates to accept the role.