Social Security chief to be IRS CEO
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
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.
