TREASURY NAMES DOUGLAS O’DONNELL ACTING COMMISSIONER OF IRS:
The Department of the Treasury named Douglas O’Donnell acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.
Currently, O’Donnell serves as the IRS Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. He is a 36-year veteran of the agency, which began in 1986 as a revenue agent.
"Deputy Commissioner O’Donnell has dedicated his career to serving American taxpayers through every level of the agency," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. "His commitment to improving the experience of the American taxpayer will guide his and the agency’s work as they continue their efforts to propel the IRS forward during a critical period of modernization."
While at the IRS, O’Donnell has previously served as commissioner of the IRS Large Business and International Division for six years and as the U.S. Competent Authority, in addition to numerous other leadership roles within the agency.
In a separate statement, Commissioner Rettig noted that O’Donnell will "work closely with our agency’s senior leaders and Deputy Commissioner for Operations Support Jeff Tribiano to continue work on the Inflation Reduction Act provisions, including efforts related to IRS transformation, implementation of green provisions and other new tax law."
O’Donnell will take over for current IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig when he steps down from the top spot in the agency on November 12, 2022.
"I want to thank Commissioner Retting for his tireless service to the American people across two administrations, and his leadership of the IRS during the difficult and unique challenges posed by COVID-19,"Secretary Yellen said of the outgoing commissioner.
Statement from Commissioner Rettig:
“As the end of my term approaches, I want to share with you that Doug O'Donnell, the IRS Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement, has been selected to serve as acting IRS Commissioner. His selection, announced today by Treasury Secretary Yellen, will keep our important work for our nation moving forward until a new IRS commissioner is nominated by the Administration and confirmed by the Senate.
Doug has spent more than 36 years at the IRS in a variety of roles, and he has a strong set of skills and insight needed for this critical role. He will work closely with our agency's senior leaders and Deputy Commissioner for Operations Support Jeff Tribiano to continue work on the Inflation Reduction Act provisions, including efforts related to IRS transformation, implementation of green provisions and other new tax law. I've relied on Doug's insight and knowledge during my term as Commissioner, and he is the ideal person to lead the agency during this period.
Prior to becoming Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement, Doug served as the Commissioner of the IRS Large Business and International (LB&I) Division for nearly six years. In that role, he led tax administration activities for corporations, subchapter S corporations, and partnerships with assets greater than $10 million, and he was responsible for administering the tax law that affects individuals with international activity. He served as the U.S. Competent Authority in administering the operating provisions of tax conventions and on sensitive and controversial issues related to treaty negotiations. Previously, Doug filled a variety of other roles including Deputy Commissioner (International) in LB&I as well as other executive positions including Assistant Deputy Commissioner, International; Director, Competent Authority & International Coordination; Director of International Compliance, Strategy & Policy; Deputy Director, Pre-Filing and Technical Guidance; and the Director of Field Operations, Heavy Manufacturing and Transportation Industry.
He began his career with IRS in 1986 as a revenue agent in Washington, DC, and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Doug will begin serving as Acting Commissioner when my term formally ends on November 12.”
Charles Rettig
Commissioner of the IRS
