Douglas O’Donnell has been designated acting commissioner of the IRS and will succeed Commissioner Chuck Rettig when Rettig’s term ends on November 12, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced October 28.
O’Donnell has been with the IRS for 36 years, serving in various roles including his current post as deputy commissioner for services and enforcement. He will lead the agency on an interim basis until a successor nominated by President Joe Biden’s administration is confirmed by the Senate.
“Deputy Commissioner O’Donnell has dedicated his career to serving American taxpayers through every level of the agency. His commitment to improving the experience of the American taxpayer will guide his and the agency’s work as they continue their efforts to propel the IRS forward during a critical period of modernization,” Yellen said in a statement.
“Now more than ever, the IRS has the momentum to transform with service, technology, and workforce improvements that will make it a world-class agency to meet the needs of the American people,” she added.
The secretary thanked Rettig, who has been commissioner since October 2018, for “tireless service to the American people across two administrations, and his leadership of the IRS during the difficult and unique challenges posed by COVID-19.”
Rettig in a statement said O’Donnell “will keep our important work for our nation moving forward until a new IRS commissioner is nominated by the administration and confirmed by the Senate.”
As acting commissioner, O’Donnell will oversee plans for spending the $80 billion in additional funding the IRS received through the Inflation Reduction Act (PL 117-169), which Biden signed in August.
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