Overview

• President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Billy Long, a former Missouri congressman and auctioneer, to serve as the next IRS Commissioner, replacing current chief Danny Werfel, whose term runs until 2027.
• Long's background includes co-sponsoring efforts to dismantle the IRS and eliminate the estate tax, but he lacks significant experience in tax administration compared to previous commissioners.
• Progressive lawmakers and advocates have criticized the nomination, warning it could undermine recent IRS reforms targeting wealthy tax evaders and improving taxpayer services.
• Supporters, including fiscally conservative groups, view Long as a potential reformer who could simplify the tax code and address perceived inefficiencies in the agency.
• If confirmed by the Senate, Long would oversee an $85 billion agency with 85,000 employees, inheriting its ongoing initiatives like expanded audits of wealthy individuals and a new free tax filing system.