WASHINGTON – IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel shared in a letter to IRS employees that he plans to step down from his position on Inauguration Day for President-elect Donald Trump, according to a recently released statement.
“After significant introspection and consultation with others, I’ve determined the best way to support a successful transition is to depart the IRS on January 20, 2025,” Werfel said in a note addressed to all IRS employees. He expressed confidence in the abilities of the current IRS leadership and staff to effectively manage the organization until a new IRS Commissioner is appointed.
Although Werfel’s term was originally slated to continue until 2027, his early exit on Monday is considered uncommon. Traditionally, IRS commissioners serve across different presidential administrations. Werfel assumed his position in March 2023 during President Joe Biden’s tenure and was due to conclude his term in November 2027 during President Trump’s administration.
However, Trump in December announced plans to nominate former Missouri congressman Billy Long, who worked as an auctioneer before serving six terms in the House, to serve as the next IRS commissioner.
“While I had always intended to complete my full term as Commissioner,” Werfel said, “the President-elect has announced his plan to nominate a new IRS Commissioner. I have been touched by those who have reached out to me to share how they were hopeful that I could remain in seat and continue the important work underway. But as civil servants, we have a job to do, and that job is to now ensure a new Commissioner is set up for success.”
Democrats including Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon have called Long’s nomination “a bizarre choice.”
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