The IRS Shuffle: A Quick Change at the Top

The IRS has had a chaotic week. The tax agency saw a swift change at the top, with Gary Shapley's appointment as acting commissioner lasting only a few days. Now, Michael Faulkender, the deputy secretary of the Treasury, will step in to lead the IRS. This is not the first time the IRS has seen leadership changes this year. In fact, Faulkender will be the fifth person to lead the IRS in 2023. The frequent changes at the top can make it hard for the agency to maintain stability and focus on its core mission. Shapley's appointment was met with mixed reactions. Some career civil servants were reportedly panicked by the news, while Republicans celebrated his return to the IRS. Shapley had previously alleged that the Justice Department had slowed down the investigation into Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden. This made him a controversial figure, with some seeing him as a whistleblower and others as a partisan player. Faulkender, on the other hand, has a more traditional background in economic policy. He has previously worked at the Treasury Department and was confirmed by the Senate in a party-line vote. During his confirmation hearings, he emphasized the importance of enforcing the tax code fairly and protecting taxpayer privacy. He also pledged to comply with all relevant laws and court orders. The IRS has been under scrutiny in recent years, with some accusing the agency of being too aggressive in its audits of ordinary taxpayers and small businesses. Faulkender has acknowledged these concerns and has promised to address them if confirmed. However, it remains to be seen how he will balance the need for enforcement with the need for fairness. The frequent changes at the top of the IRS can make it hard for the agency to maintain a consistent vision and strategy. This can be frustrating for both IRS employees and taxpayers, who may feel that the agency is constantly in flux. It's important for the IRS to have stable leadership so that it can effectively carry out its mission. The IRS plays a crucial role in the U. S. economy, collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws. It's important for the agency to have strong, stable leadership so that it can effectively carry out its mission. The frequent changes at the top of the IRS can make it hard for the agency to maintain a consistent vision and strategy.