Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins Roger and Annie for a wide-ranging conversation about his tenure leading the nation's tax agency during a period of unprecedented funding and modernization efforts. Werfel discusses the challenges of rebuilding IRS operations, his decision to resign during the transition to Trump, and his concerns about maintaining tax system stability while pursuing automation and reform. Using memorable analogies—from unpowered refrigerators to football stadiums under construction—he offers frank insights into what it takes to run a healthy tax system and why strong tax administration is essential for economic stability.

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• (00:00) - Welcome Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel to Federal Tax Updates
• (03:37) - Commissioner's Background and Expertise
• (07:17) - Challenges and Opportunities at the IRS
• (11:43) - IRS Modernization and Future Vision
• (23:39) - The Importance of a Tax System
• (29:11) - Why Commissioner Werfel Left the IRS
• (31:08) - Navigating the Transition Period
• (31:42) - Seeking Guidance from the Incoming Treasury Secretary
• (34:42) - The Importance of Listening and Feedback
• (42:53) - Challenges with the Employee Retention Credit
• (50:10) - What Changes Would You Implement if You Had Total Control
• (53:59) - Future Plans and Reflections
• (56:21) - Georgia Football and Final Thoughts

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Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

Roger and Annie discuss important tax updates that occurred during the busy tax season, including new IRS guidance on Employee Retention Credits and the current status of Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements. They explore the significant staffing challenges and leadership turnover at the IRS, with insights from Roger's recent visit to Washington DC. The hosts then shift focus to post-tax season priorities for practitioners, offering advice on evaluating software, optimizing client relationships, and implementing strategies to improve profitability and efficiency for the next filing season.

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• (00:00) - Welcome Back to Federal Tax Updates
• (02:02) - Post-Tax Season Reflections
• (03:18) - Employee Retention Credit Updates
• (12:20) - Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting
• (18:55) - Current Legislative Landscape in DC
• (25:34) - IRS Staffing and Morale Issues
• (31:37) - Challenges Facing the IRS
• (37:27) - Post-Tax Season Business Strategies
• (42:08) - Client Management and Pricing Strategies
• (47:11) - Maximizing Client Relationships and Billing Opportunities
• (51:07) - Preparing for the Next Tax Season
• (52:46) - Summer Plans and Final Thoughts

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

For our milestone 50th episode, Roger Harris and Annie Schwab welcome Terry Lemons, who spent 26 years at the IRS including 11 years as Chief of Communications and Liaison. Terry shares insights from working with six different IRS commissioners, preparing officials for congressional testimony, and navigating public perceptions of the agency. The conversation explores the critical role of the tax professional community, challenges facing the IRS today, and lessons from past filing season successes and failures.

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• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (01:44) - Celebrating the 50th Podcast with Special Guest Terry Lemons
• (03:23) - Terry Lemons' Journey to the IRS
• (06:47) - The Role and Influence of IRS Commissioners
• (11:33) - Preparing a Commissioner to Testify Before Congress
• (22:28) - Challenges and Perceptions of Working at the IRS
• (28:43) - Debunking IRS Agent Myths
• (30:57) - IRS Efficiency and Transformation
• (32:24) - Challenges and Improvements at the IRS
• (33:46) - Reflecting on Filing Seasons
• (36:04) - Historical IRS Challenges
• (40:24) - Future Tax Law Changes and Implications
• (44:31) - Terry's Retirement Plans
• (46:07) - The Importance of Tax Professionals Community
• (52:15) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Terry Lemons
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lemons-77b3641a9

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!