The IRS announced a major leadership and operational shake-up just days before the 2026 tax filing season, aiming to improve taxpayer service and modernize the agency amidst new tax laws and concerns over a reduced workforce. Notably, Hunter Biden whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler received key promotions.
Days before the 2026 tax filing season officially begins, IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano announced a significant shake-up in personnel and operations. These changes are intended to improve taxpayer service and modernize the agency, aligning with a critical period for the IRS as it prepares to process millions of returns and implement major tax law changes from President Donald Trump's tax and spending package. New provisions include tax relief for tips and overtime, and new deductions for qualifying older Americans. In a letter to the agency's 74,000 employees, Bisignano outlined new priorities and a reorganization of IRS executive leadership. Key appointments include Gary Shapley, the whistleblower who testified about Hunter Biden’s taxes, named deputy chief of the Criminal Investigation division. Guy Ficco, the current head of Criminal Investigation, is set to retire and will be replaced by Jarod Koopman, who will also serve as chief tax compliance officer. Joseph Ziegler, another Hunter Biden whistleblower, was named chief of internal consulting. Bisignano expressed confidence that the new team is "well-prepared to deliver a successful tax filing season." However, the June National Taxpayer Advocate report to Congress warned that the 2026 season could be challenging due to a 26% reduction in the IRS workforce following mass layoffs and significant tax law changes. Bisignano, who also serves as the commissioner of the Social Security Administration, has prioritized enhancing customer service, improving tax collections, and safeguarding taxpayer privacy for 2026. The IRS expects to receive approximately 164 million individual income tax returns, similar to the previous year, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent anticipating bigger refunds in 2026 due to Republican tax law effects.
