From the IRS to Iceland
Billy Long's Unexpected Career Pivot
When President Trump removed Billy Long as IRS Commissioner, headlines swirled with politics, speculation, and uncertainty. He recently followed many tax professionals on X/Twitter, and I had some questions:
What did he love about the job? What didn’t he? And what changes did he see ahead for the IRS?
So, I reached out to him directly via X (Twitter). To my surprise, when I woke up this morning, there was a message from him, offering a small glimpse into the human side of a position most of us only see through policy debates and political headlines.
A Commissioner Who Opened the Door
In his own words, Long described starting each day with 10-minute one-on-one meetings from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. with what he calls his “employee-partners.” These weren’t just routine check-ins — they were personal, intentional conversations.
“Some had been there two decades and had never met a Commissioner or been allowed in the Commissioner’s office,” Long wrote.
For many employees, this was their first time being personally welcomed into the inner office — a symbolic and literal opening of the door.
Listening Across the Country
The other aspect Long cherished was meeting and listening to employees and partners as he traveled across the country.
When he visited the Ogden IRS Campus, he recalled:
“They had to sign releases for IRS to use pictures of them with me. In Ogden, 158 individuals signed the release — that’s a lot of one-on-one pictures.”
One notable stop was the NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents) Tax Summit.
“I probably took nearly 100 pictures with enrolled agents in Salt Lake City.”
I wasn’t at that conference, but many friends and colleagues who attended told me the same thing: Billy Long was personable, approachable, and genuinely interested in conversations.
That’s not something you hear about many government officials. For those in attendance, his willingness to engage left a positive impression.
A Contentious Confirmation
It’s worth remembering that Long’s path to the top of the IRS wasn’t without friction. His confirmation hearing was contentious, with a final Senate vote of 53–44, a narrow margin for such a critical role. Critics questioned his approach, qualifications, and past business dealings, while supporters pointed to his energy and his openness with front-line employees.
A Sudden Shift — From IRS to Iceland
Late yesterday, another twist in the story: Billy Long announced that he will be nominated to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland.
On X, he wrote:
“It is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland. I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!”
The response from tax professionals on X/Twitter has been interesting, from the usual critics who seize on any change to vent frustrations with the service, to others jokingly (or perhaps not so jokingly) tossing their hat into the ring, hoping to be considered for the Commissioner’s chair.
What Does the IRS Commissioner Do?
For those wondering, the IRS Commissioner, a position that was created by Congress in 1862, is essentially the CEO of the Internal Revenue Service. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the Commissioner:
Administers, manages, conducts, directs, and supervises the execution and application of the internal revenue laws, or related statutes and tax conventions to which the U.S. is a party.
Recommends to the president a candidate for appointment as chief counsel for the Internal Revenue Service when a vacancy occurs, and recommends to the president the removal of such chief counsel
Manages a workforce of approximately 70,000 employees nationwide. (We know this number is decreasing, much to the disappointment of many tax professionals.)
Balances taxpayer service with enforcement priorities.
It’s a job that requires leadership under constant scrutiny, and one that inevitably attracts more criticism and praise. As a lover of all things tax, I’m not sure which I would prefer, leading the IRS or serving as an ambassador to Iceland. As I write this, it is currently 103 degrees in Texas, so Iceland sounds like a nice change of climate.
Why This Matters
Whether or not you agreed with his politics or policies, and given his short tenure, few outside the IRS may know them in detail. Billy Long’s reflections underscore a truth about leadership: sometimes, the most meaningful work isn’t in sweeping announcements or political fights, but in the small, consistent acts of connection.
For a role often defined by public scrutiny and pressure, his favorite part was remarkably simple: making time for people who had dedicated their careers to the IRS, and ensuring they felt valued.
Unconfirmed Reports
Several outlets are reporting that the White House grew frustrated with the IRS for allegedly refusing to provide additional information on immigrants to the Department of Homeland Security. Sources claim Long told agency executives that the IRS would not furnish confidential taxpayer data outside the parameters of its existing agreement with DHS. This has not been officially confirmed, but it is an interesting twist in an already fascinating story.
Final Thoughts
As Billy Long prepares for diplomatic service in Iceland, his brief tenure as IRS Commissioner will likely be debated through a political lens. But his own words and the stories from those who met him remind us that leadership is often measured not just by decisions made at the top but by how a leader treats the people who keep the mission going every day. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is now the acting Commissioner. Whoever takes the helm next will inherit an underfunded agency at a crossroads, balancing modernization with public trust, enforcement with service, and an increasingly complex tax landscape. Whether the next Commissioner follows Long’s people-first approach or charts a different course, the future of the IRS will be shaped as much by its culture as by its policies.
Long almost lasted 5 Scaramuccis