Let’s be honest — the IRS isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite topic, but the agency impacts nearly every American’s wallet.
Recently, the IRS has been through a wild ride of leadership changes, funding battles, and big plans that could affect how you file your taxes, get your refunds, and even how the government hunts down tax cheats.
Now, former Missouri Congressman Billy Long is in the spotlight as President Trump’s pick for IRS Commissioner.
His confirmation hearing was delayed for months but is finally scheduled for May 20, stirring debate about what his leadership might mean for the agency — and for taxpayers like you.
Stick with me here, and you’ll get a clear picture of who Billy Long is, the challenges facing the IRS right now, and why all this matters when you sit down to do your taxes this year and beyond.
Who Is Billy Long? The Unconventional IRS Pick
Billy Long is no typical IRS boss candidate. Before politics, he was a certified auctioneer — yes, really — and unlike many IRS leaders, he doesn’t have a college degree or deep tax experience.
He served six terms as a Missouri Congressman, occasionally using his auctioneer skills in hearings.
Long also has ties to the controversial Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), a pandemic-era tax credit riddled with fraud allegations.
Critics worry this connection could be a conflict of interest since the IRS fights improper claims. Supporters say his outsider background could bring fresh eyes to the agency.
IRS Leadership Turmoil: What’s Happened Since Werfel?
Danny Werfel, appointed by President Biden, was supposed to lead the IRS through 2027. Instead, he stepped down the day Trump took office again, breaking the usual tradition of allowing commissioners to finish their terms.
Since then, the IRS has had five acting commissioners in less than five months, leaving staff morale low and important modernization projects stalled. Over 11,000 employees have left due to buyouts and layoffs, which only adds to the chaos.
Billy Long’s nomination arrives at a time when the IRS desperately needs stability — but with big questions hanging over how he’ll steer the agency.
What’s at Stake: IRS Funding, Modernization, and Taxpayer Services
Under Werfel, the IRS got a boost with around $60 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to crack down on wealthy tax cheats and improve customer service.
They even launched a free tax filing program, Direct File, to help taxpayers save money on software fees.
Now, the agency faces a proposed $2.2 billion budget cut for 2025 and pressure from Republicans to halt the Direct File program. Some modernization efforts have slowed, and new leadership could reshape the IRS’s priorities.
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Trump’s Tax Plans and What They Mean for You
Beyond the IRS itself, Republicans in Congress are pushing a big tax overhaul, sometimes called Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill.”
The goal? Make many of the 2017 tax cuts permanent, lower corporate taxes, and trim deductions — all while offsetting costs by cutting programs like Medicaid and clean energy funding.
Billy Long supported simplifying the tax code during his time in Congress, even backing ideas like a national sales tax and abolishing much of the IRS.
If that vision moves forward, your tax filing experience and tax bills could look very different in the coming years.
What Should You Do Now?
With so much uncertainty, here’s what I recommend: stay informed, keep copies of your tax records, and plan for changes. Watch the news around tax law updates, and consider consulting a tax professional if your situation is complex.
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If the IRS’s budget shrinks or programs like Direct File vanish, it could mean slower refunds and fewer free resources for taxpayers. Being proactive helps you avoid surprises.
Bottom Line: Change is Coming, But You’re Not Powerless
Billy Long’s confirmation hearing marks a pivotal moment for the IRS and for all of us who depend on it. While the agency grapples with leadership upheaval and funding battles, your taxes and financial future hang in the balance.
Remember, it’s not about freaking out over every headline — small, informed steps today make a big difference tomorrow.
Keep an eye on the changes, ask questions, and be ready to adapt. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about staying one step ahead.
This article was written by Loretta James. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
