Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has appointed Frank Bisignano, who runs the Social Security Administration, to also head up the Internal Revenue Service as its first-ever chief executive officer.
Why it matters: It's an unprecedented move that comes at a time of immense challenge for the two agencies — both reeling from DOGE cuts — that are critical to Americans' lives.
- The IRS and SSA are facing staffing challenges this year, as the White House has pushed out staff.
Where it stands: "I am honored that Secretary Bessent has asked me to serve in this position," Bisignano told SSA employees in an email Monday morning.
- The move appears to allow Bisignano to avoid the Senate confirmation process, the Wall Street Journal reported.
- The Treasury Secretary will continue as the agency's acting commissioner.
The intrigue: Bessent is the IRS's seventh commissioner this year.
- The Senate did approve auctioneer and former U.S. congressman Billy Long for the role in June, but he was ousted after only a few months in the job by the Trump administration.
- In February, Bessent announced chief operating officer Melanie Krause would take over the post — but she resigned in April on the heels of a deal to share taxpayer data with immigration authorities. Two other acting heads filled the role before Long.
- With the Social Security agency and IRS now run by the same person, data sharing could presumably be more streamlined.
Zoom in: In the message, Bisignano touted his history of "overseeing multiple mission-critical organizations at the same time." He noted holding dual roles in private sector jobs.
- While at JPMorgan Chase in the 2000's, Bisignano was co-chief operating officer and served as the CEO of its mortgage banking unit.
- "Frank is a businessman with an exceptional track record of driving growth and efficiency in the private and now public sector," Bessent said in a press release Monday, noting that the agencies share "customer service and technological goals."
What to watch: Tax season this year could be particularly hairy, as the IRS needs to adopt a raft of new changes stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — including new deductions for overtime and tips.
- But implementation of these changes is "at risk," warned a report last week from the agency's inspector general.
- Key IRS functions for filing season have lost 17 to 19% of their workforce. That includes those who work on fraud detection (down 18%), and those in information technology services (down 25%) who are needed to put into effect the changes stemming from the new tax law.
Editor's note: The story has been updated with additional details.
