Billy Long Confirmed as IRS Commissioner Amid Controversy, Removed After Less Than Two Months

WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Representative Billy Long was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on June 12, 2025, as the 51st Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a closely divided 53-44 vote. However, his tenure was unexpectedly short-lived, as President Donald Trump removed him from the position less than two months later, in early August.

‍

Confirmation Process and Background

‍

Billy Long served Missouri’s 7th Congressional District from 2011 to 2023. Before his political career, he worked as a real estate broker and a professional auctioneer with over three decades of experience. Long has no prior background in tax administration and during his time in Congress, he was a vocal critic of the IRS, sponsoring bills aimed at abolishing or significantly redesigning the agency, including proposals to replace the tax code with a flat tax or even eliminate federal income taxes altogether.

‍

Despite these controversial stances, Long pledged during his Senate confirmation hearing to bring fairness, integrity, and transformational change to the IRS. He emphasized the importance of modernizing the agency's outdated technology and prioritized improving customer service. Additionally, Long underscored the need for bipartisan cooperation to enhance taxpayer experiences across ideological lines.

‍

Controversies and Challenges

‍

Long’s confirmation was met with resistance from Democrats, who expressed concern over his previous involvement with a firm that marketed fraudulent pandemic-era tax breaks, notably the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). This tax credit was designed to help employers retain workers during COVID-19 but was suspended by the IRS due to widespread fraud. Democrats also questioned campaign contributions Long received after his nomination.

‍

Adding to the contentious landscape, the IRS had been plagued by leadership instability, cycling through four acting commissioners before Long’s appointment. Controversies including agreements to share taxpayers’ information with immigration agencies further complicated his brief time in office.

‍

You might love to read - federal employees rif

‍

Removal and Aftermath

‍

An anonymous White House official announced Long’s dismissal in early August 2025 without providing a public explanation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was named acting IRS commissioner following Long’s departure. Long confirmed the news himself on social media and soon announced plans to accept a nomination as U.S. ambassador to Iceland.

‍

Long’s removal makes him the shortest-serving confirmed IRS commissioner in history. His departure highlights ongoing turmoil within the IRS, which has seen significant staff layoffs and political pressures in recent years.

‍

Looking Forward

‍

The IRS continues to face critical challenges, from modernizing outdated systems to navigating political controversies and budget constraints. The frequent turnover in leadership raises questions about the agency’s stability moving forward and its ability to effectively carry out tax administration responsibilities.

‍

Congress and the Biden and Trump administrations alike will likely monitor the IRS's leadership closely as they consider potential reforms, funding priorities, and the future direction of the agency.

‍

FAQs

‍

Does the IRS commissioner have to be confirmed?

‍

Yes, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate and serves a five-year term. This requirement is set by law under 26 U.S.C. § 7803.

‍

What is Billy Long's religion?

‍

Publicly available information does not clearly specify Billy Long’s religion. As a politician and public figure, his religious affiliation is not widely documented or relevant in official biographies or news reports.

‍

Can the president remove the IRS commissioner?

‍

The IRS commissioner is appointed for a fixed five-year term but can be removed by the President. Although intended to serve a term to provide independence, in practice the President has authority to dismiss the Commissioner, as seen in Billy Long’s removal less than two months after confirmation.

‍

Who appointed the current IRS Commissioner?

‍

Billy Long was appointed as IRS commissioner by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate in June 2025. After Long’s removal, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been serving as acting IRS commissioner

‍

Content refference taken from - PBS.org