Transition and Succession
Commissioner announced his departure on January 20, 2025, aligning with President-elect 's Inauguration Day, a move that breaks the norm of IRS commissioners serving across presidential administrations.
Trump's nomination of former Congressman , lacking formal tax or legal training, as Werfel's successor has sparked criticism, with Democrats like calling it "a bizarre choice."
Werfel's Tenure and Public Service
Werfel, who began his public service career in the late 1990s, has spent the last decade in the private sector before his 2023 confirmation as IRS Commissioner, a role he expected to serve fully until 2027.
Despite intending to complete his term, Werfel's early departure is framed as supporting a smooth transition, emphasizing the readiness of IRS civil servants to continue the agency's work.