Trump’s Pick for IRS Chief: A Game-Changer or Misfire?

As the Trump administration gears up to take office, President-elect Donald Trump has set his sights firmly on reforming the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an agency long criticized for its bureaucratic overreach. The announcement of former Republican congressman Billy Long as the new IRS commissioner has elicited mixed reactions, raising questions about his qualifications and the direction he might take.

Billy Long: A Contrarian Choice for Tax Management

For over a decade, from January 2011 to January 2023, Billy Long represented Missouri’s 7th congressional district. His legislative record shows a consistent wariness of the IRS, co-sponsoring bills aimed at reducing its power. Among his significant efforts were proposals to curb financial reporting, abolish the estate tax, and even eliminate income taxes in favor of a national sales tax through the FairTax Act. The FairTax initiative, if implemented, would effectively have stripped the IRS of its funding.

Trump’s choice of Long reflects a broader strategy to overhaul the agency, moving it away from aggressive tax enforcement to a more customer service-oriented approach. The president-elect cited in a Truth Social post that “taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.” This indicates a clear pivot toward a kinder, gentler IRS—at least in theory.

Customer Service Comes First

As the incoming administration focuses on trimming government spending, which includes potential budget cuts to the IRS, Long’s mission may center around improving customer service rather than ramping up audits. Advocates like Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union, suggest that it is politically advantageous for both appointed and elected officials to prioritize taxpayer experience, especially after the chaos of the pandemic-era tax seasons.

Long’s background as a tax adviser for small businesses positions him to assess and, potentially, reform the IRS’s auditing practices for smaller enterprises. This could usher in a new era where the IRS is seen less as a punitive entity and more as a resource for compliant taxpayers.

Critiques and Controversies

Despite some praise, Long’s selection has not been without its detractors. Critics, particularly on the left, have inundated the discussion with concerns about his lack of relevant experience. Senator Elizabeth Warren stated that Long’s appointment “ought to set off alarm bells,” predicting that average taxpayers could face longer wait times and an even more convoluted filing process should he be confirmed. Such critiques highlight the traditional leftist criticism that Republican leadership tends to favor wealthy taxpayers over the average American.

Moreover, the notion that a former auctioneer lacks the intricate knowledge of tax law has also echoed through Washington corridors. But as David Kautter, a former acting IRS commissioner, noted, “It’s primarily a management job. You’re running a large organization.” This perspective provides a counterbalance to experience demands that may not pertain to running a high-functioning agency.

The Path Ahead: Oversight and Transparency

If confirmed, Long will replace Danny Werfel, who has managed operations under an umbrella of increased funding from Democratic initiatives aimed at bolstering IRS auditing and compliance, particularly targeting high-income earners. The $80 billion funding infusion from the Inflation Reduction Act has been a point of contention. Republicans have already clawed back significant portions of this funding, indicating strong political resistance to expansive IRS enforcement.

Nevertheless, incoming Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo has expressed interest in Long’s vision going forward, signaling that protecting taxpayers against an ever-encroaching IRS remains a priority for Republicans. With a historical backdrop of scrutinized IRS practices, the call for oversight cannot be overstated.

Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction?

Ultimately, the nomination of Billy Long as IRS commissioner is a striking indicator of the changing political landscape regarding taxation and agency oversight. Should Long adopt a balanced approach that emphasizes service to taxpayers while also holding to the principle of accountability, he could steer the IRS into a new chapter less defined by political agendas and more focused on its core mission: serving the American public. However, if Long’s leadership veers too far in favor of business interests at the expense of everyday Americans, it may indeed set a perilous precedent.

As we await confirmation hearings, the nation’s eyes will be on Long to see if he can rise to the occasion and champion a reformed IRS that restores trust and efficiency—an agency that works for the people, not against them.