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With just days until the start of the 2026 tax filing season, the head of the U.S. tax agency has announced a major shakeup. The head of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said Tuesday that these personnel and operational changes are intended to improve taxpayer services and modernize the agency.
The announcement comes at a critical time for the agency, which is preparing to process millions of tax returns. Meanwhile, the IRS must make major tax code changes to the spending plan signed by President Donald Trump last summer. These include new tip and overtime tax credits, as well as deductions for eligible senior Americans.
In a letter to the agency’s 74,000 employees seen by The Associated Press, Chief Executive Frank Bisignano announced new priorities and a shakeup of the IRS’s executive leadership.
Notably, whistleblower Gary Shapley has testified publicly about the investigation Hunter BidenLast year, just two days into his tenure as IRS commissioner, he was named deputy director of the Criminal Investigation Division. Chief of Criminal Investigations Guy Ficco is retiring and will be replaced by Jarod Koopman, who will also serve as chief tax compliance officer alongside Bisignano.
Joseph Ziegler, another Hunter Biden The letter said the whistleblower was appointed director of internal consulting.
Bisignano said in the letter that he is “confident that with the new team in place, the IRS is well-prepared to provide taxpayers with a successful tax filing season.” American people. “
June National Taxpayer Advocate Report congress It warned that the 2026 sales season could be difficult, following a series of massive job cuts imposed by the Department for Government Efficiency last year.
“With a 26% reduction in IRS staff and significant changes to tax laws on the horizon, next year’s tax filing season is at risk,” said Erin M. Collins, director of the organization that protects taxpayer rights.
Bisignano took office in October and also serves as director of the Social Security Administration.
His top priorities for the IRS in 2026 include enhancing customer service, improving tax collection and protecting taxpayer privacy.
The IRS expects to receive about 164 million personal income tax returns this year, the same as last year.
Last year’s average tax refund was $3,167, according to IRS data. finance minister Scott Bessant It has been stated many times that the impact republican The tax law will result in larger rebates in 2026.