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New IRS Commissioner aims to modernize agency amid major tax changes
Written on Aug 1, 2025
Billy Long, recently confirmed as the 51st commissioner of the IRS, opened his tenure by addressing tax professionals at the 2025 National Association of Enrolled Agents Summit. With a background as a Missouri congressman and auctioneer rather than a tax specialist, Long brings an unconventional perspective to the agency at a time of staffing cuts and the rollout of the expansive One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Despite the IRS losing roughly a quarter of its workforce earlier this year, Long expressed strong confidence in the agency’s ability to carry out the new tax law’s numerous provisions. He highlighted close collaboration with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender, who lead teams dedicated to breaking down and managing the bill’s complex requirements. Long expects the 2026 filing season to begin around Feb.16, allowing IRS staff ample time for preparation.
Long is committed to transforming the IRS’s internal culture by engaging directly with employees through daily, short meetings. He aims to foster a more approachable and connected leadership style, moving away from the image of a distant commissioner. Recognizing morale challenges amid recent layoffs and crowded offices, Long seeks to build trust and open communication throughout the agency.
In addition to cultural changes, Long is prioritizing technological upgrades that enhance transparency in audit processes. Working with Treasury officials and tech experts, he is pushing for systems that enable taxpayers and their representatives to track audit status easily, reducing delays and confusion. Although the Direct File program was discontinued, Long is focused on making audits more efficient and accessible.
Bringing a fresh outlook to the IRS, Long described his leadership philosophy using the acronym “UFO”—upbeat, friendly and open. As the agency faces major reforms and operational challenges, Long’s emphasis on partnership with both employees and taxpayers signals a new chapter for the nation’s tax agency.
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