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Donald Trump has chosen former Congressman Billy Long to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Long, who represented Missouri for six terms, has been assisting businesses in claiming a tax credit during the pandemic that has seen a lot of fraudulent activity and ended up costing the government billions more than expected.
Written by Andrew Duehren
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Donald J. Trump, who will soon become President, announced his intention to nominate Billy Long, a former congressman from Missouri, to be in charge of the Internal Revenue Service. This move indicates his plan to replace the current IRS leader, who was appointed by Biden.
Following his defeat in a Senate primary in 2022, Mr. Long has promoted a tax credit designed for the pandemic period which has been plagued by fraud, resulting in the government losing billions more than anticipated. In response, lawmakers have attempted to eliminate the tax credit, and the I.R.S. has suspended the processing of claims temporarily in order to identify and reject fraudulent applications for the tax break.
During a podcast interview in 2023, Mr. Long talked about his efforts in assisting businesses in claiming the Employee Retention Tax Credit. He mentioned that he and his team have never had a claim denied by the tax agency so far. The Employee Retention Tax Credit was established by Congress and former President Trump in 2020 as part of a comprehensive stimulus package designed to encourage businesses to continue paying their employees amid the economic downturn.
"We do not try to deceive anyone," he stated. "We ensure that they meet the qualifications for receiving a refund from the I.R.S., along with interest on their own money."
President Trump announced his selection on his social media platform, which would bring significant change to the I.R.S. during a crucial time. The Biden administration has invested heavily in updating the agency and strengthening its efforts to collect taxes, aiming to enhance customer service and combat tax evasion.
President Biden selected Daniel Werfel, a previous management consultant and government official with experience in both Democratic and Republican administrations, to head the I.R.S. overhaul in 2022. Werfel’s term was planned to continue until 2027.
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