Former auctioneer and real estate mogul tapped to lead the IRS, sparking controversy and raising questions about the future of tax administration.
At a Glance
- President-elect Trump intends to appoint ex-congressman Billy Long as IRS Director
- Long’s background in auctioneering and real estate raises eyebrows
- Conservatives support the pick, while liberals express concern
- Appointment could disrupt ongoing IRS improvements and audits on wealthy individuals
- Long would oversee 85,000 employees and a $12 billion budget if confirmed
Trump’s Unconventional Choice for IRS Leadership
President-elect Donald Trump has set his sights on Billy Long, a former Missouri Congressman, to lead the Internal Revenue Service. This decision marks a departure from traditional appointments, as Long’s background lies primarily in auctioneering and real estate rather than tax administration. Trump’s endorsement of Long emphasizes his business acumen, stating that he has “32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country.”
While Long’s business experience is touted as an asset, critics question whether it adequately prepares him for the complexities of managing the nation’s tax collection agency. Lindsay Owens, a critic of the appointment, pointedly remarked, “This guy is an auctioneer — that’s his expertise.” This statement underscores the concerns about Long’s qualifications for such a crucial position.
President-elect Donald Trump said he intends to nominate former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) as IRS commissioner, cutting current chief Danny Werfel’s term short. https://t.co/M51kJUthhy
— Bloomberg Tax (@tax) December 5, 2024
Long’s Congressional Record and Tax Reform Efforts
During his time in Congress, Long did engage with tax-related issues, co-sponsoring legislation aimed at overhauling the tax code. This involvement suggests some familiarity with tax policy, albeit from a legislative perspective rather than an administrative one. Since leaving Congress, Long has worked as a tax adviser, further expanding his experience in the field.
However, Long’s professional background falls short when compared to previous IRS commissioners who typically boasted extensive experience in tax law or administration. This disparity has fueled debate about his readiness to lead an agency with 85,000 employees and a budget exceeding $12 billion.
Potential Impact on IRS Operations and Reforms
The appointment of Billy Long could significantly alter the course of recent IRS improvements. Under current Commissioner Danny Werfel, appointed by President Biden, the agency has expanded audits on wealthy taxpayers and claims to have enhanced customer service.
Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern that Long’s appointment could disrupt this progress. Rep. Beyer’s statement encapsulates these worries, suggesting that replacing Werfel with Long could lead to a less responsive IRS and potentially enable tax evasion among the wealthy. This perspective highlights the political divide surrounding Long’s nomination and the broader implications for tax policy and enforcement.
Conservative Support and Expectations
Despite the controversy, Long’s nomination has garnered strong support from conservative circles. Republican lawmakers view his appointment favorably, citing the need to address issues such as privacy concerns and resource efficiency within the IRS. This backing suggests that Long’s leadership could steer the agency towards priorities aligned with conservative tax philosophies.
Supporters argue that Long’s business background could bring a fresh perspective to the IRS, potentially leading to more pragmatic reforms. They hope his experience in the private sector will translate into more efficient operations and a better understanding of the challenges faced by taxpayers, particularly small business owners.
