forbes.com
Seventh IRS Commissioner in 2025 Highlights Agency Instability
Following the removal of IRS Commissioner Billy Long less than two months after his confirmation, Scott Bessent has been appointed as acting commissioner; this marks the seventh change in leadership for the IRS in 2025, highlighting ongoing instability exacerbated by fluctuating funding and conflicting political agendas.
- What are the long-term implications of the current political climate for the IRS's effectiveness and ability to fulfill its mandate?
- The future of the IRS remains uncertain, contingent upon the Trump administration's approach. Continued underfunding, coupled with the appointment of individuals opposed to the agency's mission, could severely impair its ability to enforce tax laws and collect revenue. This could lead to decreased tax compliance and a widening budget deficit.
- How do the conflicting political perspectives regarding IRS funding and its role in tax enforcement contribute to the agency's instability?
- The IRS's funding volatility reflects conflicting political agendas. While the Inflation Reduction Act aimed to increase IRS efficiency and revenue collection, subsequent acts significantly reduced funding, hindering modernization efforts. This instability is exacerbated by the appointment of commissioners with questionable qualifications and anti-IRS stances, further destabilizing the agency.
- What are the immediate consequences of the IRS's frequent leadership changes and fluctuating funding, and how do these affect its operational capacity?
- Billy Long's removal as IRS Commissioner after only 53 days, coupled with the appointment of a seventh leader in 2025, underscores significant agency instability. This follows a 29% decline in real IRS resources from 2010 to 2020, partially addressed by the Inflation Reduction Act's $79.4 billion allocation, but substantially reduced by subsequent legislation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately establish a tone of turmoil and instability, emphasizing the frequent leadership changes. This framing primes the reader to view the IRS negatively, even before delving into the details of funding and policy. The repeated use of words like "turmoil," "controversy," and "disorient" further reinforces this negative framing.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "dubious and frivolous," "contentious," "raised alarms," and "dismal." These terms carry negative connotations and contribute to the overall negative portrayal of the IRS. More neutral alternatives could include "questionable," "controversial," "concerns were raised," and "uncertain." The frequent use of phrases like "underqualified individuals" and "threaten to dismantle" adds to the negative tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the turmoil and leadership changes within the IRS, but omits discussion of potential positive impacts of the increased funding, such as improved taxpayer services or reduced tax evasion. It also doesn't explore other potential causes for the IRS's issues beyond funding and leadership. This omission creates a skewed narrative.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the future of the IRS as either modernization and effective tax enforcement or defunding and dismantling. It overlooks the possibility of a middle ground or alternative approaches to improving the agency's efficiency and effectiveness.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. The focus is primarily on the actions and statements of male figures (Billy Long, Scott Bessent, President Trump). However, the lack of female voices or perspectives does not necessarily constitute a bias in this specific context.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Inflation Reduction Act's funding for the IRS aims to improve tax collection, potentially reducing the inequality gap by ensuring fair tax contributions from all taxpayers. The CBO estimated this would generate significant additional revenue. However, subsequent budget cuts have reduced the potential positive impact.