Getting the Band Back Together: Former Commissioner Werfel on IRS Challenges Ahead

Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel and longtime agency communications chief Terry Lemons join Roger and Annie for a candid Thanksgiving conversation about the mounting challenges facing the agency heading into the 2026 filing season. The discussion covers budget cuts, staffing reductions, the lingering ERC backlog, and why a hollowed-out compliance function puts both taxpayers and tax professionals at greater risk.SponsorsPadgett -  Contact Padgett or Email Jeff PhillipsGet NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CELaunch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.Chapters(00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates (01:07) - Introducing Special Guests: Terry Lemons and Danny Werfel (02:18) - Danny's Post-IRS Journey (07:48) - Terry Lemons' Post-IRS Activities (12:12) - Challenges Facing the IRS and Tax Professionals (19:37) - The Importance of IRS Compliance and Modernization (29:48) - Concerns About Workforce Sustainability (30:54) - Employee Retention Credit Issues (31:35) - Fraud and Government Response (34:28) - Impact of Government Shutdown on IRS Programs (35:51) - IRS Performance and Resource Allocation (39:50) - Challenges in Tax Compliance and Enforcement (45:15) - Preparing for the Upcoming Tax Season (50:17) - College Football Predictions (52:51) - Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes Connect with Terry Lemonshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lemons-77b3641a9Connect with Danny Werfelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-werfel-89441594Follow the Federal Tax Updates Podcast on Social Mediatwitter.com/FedTaxPodfacebook.com/FedTaxPodlinkedin.com/showcase/fedtaxpodConnect with the Hosts on LinkedInRoger Harris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/Annie Schwab - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/ReviewLeave a review on Apple Podcasts or PodchaserSubscribeSubscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!This podcast is a production of Earmark MediaThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this pageAll content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.