IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has stepped down from his position following a resignation letter sent to IRS employees on Friday, January 17. “After significant introspection and consultation with others, I’ve determined the best way to support a successful transition is to depart the IRS on January 20, 2025,” he wrote.

Werfel was appointed as IRS Commissioner in 2023, and his term was set to end in late 2027. IRS Commissioners typically serve 5-year terms that span presidential transitions. However, in December President Trump announced plans to nominate former Missouri congressman Billy Long to the position of IRS commissioner.

“While I had always intended to complete my full term as Commissioner, the President-elect has announced his plan to nominate a new IRS Commissioner,” Werfel wrote. “I have been touched by those who have reached out to me to share how they were hopeful that I could remain in seat and continue the important work underway. But as civil servants, we have a job to do, and that job is to now ensure a new Commissioner is set up for success.”

In the interim, Deputy Commissioner Doug O’Donnell will run the agency. O’Donnell previously served as acting Commissioner from November 2022 to March 2023.