Empty IRS Chief Counsel Spot Creates Vacuum, Congress, Tax Pros Say

Democratic lawmakers and tax professionals are eagerly awaiting a nominee for and subsequent confirmation of an IRS chief counsel, saying it is a key role to fill as the agency implements the $80 billion received in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Chief counsel is one of only two Senate-confirmed positions at the IRS, along with commissioner. The position has lacked a Senate-confirmed appointee since the start of President Joe Biden’s administration, and the president has never formally nominated anyone.

Lawmakers and tax professionals say the position is significant because the chief counsel leads an office that helps to craft regulations and ...