The government shutdown has forced the IRS to pause most of its taxpayer services and furlough nearly half of its staff.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who also serves as the IRS' acting commissioner, had a surprise announcement in early October: Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano will report directly to him and manage IRS, overseeing its day-to-day operations while also continuing to serve as SSA commissioner. The new IRS role doesn't require Senate confirmation.
In mid-October, Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., pressed Bessent not to delay the start of the 2026 tax filing season to Feb. 17.
Former acting IRS Commissioner Billy Long said earlier this year that he anticipated a delay due to changes that needed to be implemented related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
"Opening the filing season in the middle of February, or later, will delay tens of millions of tax refunds, which will cause further distress to American families at a time when the Administration’s tariffs, opposition to bringing down healthcare costs, and constant chaos have resulted in record-high consumer prices and a failing economy,” Neal told Bessent in a letter.
See the gallery for IRS-related bills introduced this year.
Images: Chris Nicholls/Touchpoint Markets
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