The Internal Revenue Service announced a major leadership reorganization on Tuesday to improve taxpayer service and modernize the agency, according to Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano. The changes include naming Gary Shapley—a whistleblower who publicly testified about Hunter Biden tax investigations—as deputy chief of the Criminal Investigation division. Guy Ficco, the Criminal Investigation head, is set to retire, and Jarod Koopman will replace him while also serving as chief tax compliance officer. The agency is implementing new tax relief provisions for tips and overtime, along with deductions for older Americans.
The reorganization comes as the IRS contends with a 26 percent workforce reduction and braces for a potentially rocky tax season, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate’s June warning.
Joseph Ziegler, another whistleblower who testified about Hunter Biden’s taxes, was named chief of internal consulting in the reorganization.
New Leadership Structure
Bisignano, appointed IRS chief executive in October, concurrently serves as commissioner of the Social Security Administration. His stated priorities for 2026 include enhancing customer service, improving tax collections and safeguarding taxpayer privacy.
2026 Season Outlook
The IRS expects to process roughly 164 million individual income tax returns this filing season, on par with last year. The average refund last year was $3,167, according to IRS data. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the effects of Republican tax law will result in bigger refunds in 2026.
Workforce Reductions Loom
The National Taxpayer Advocate, Erin M. Collins, warned in her June report to Congress about the 2026 season. “With the IRS workforce reduced by 26% and significant tax law changes on the horizon, there are risks to next year’s filing season,” Collins said.
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