Trump Nominates Tax Attorney to Lead IRS

Posted on February 21, 2018

President Donald Trump’s administration recently announced the nomination of Charles Rettig to be the next IRS Commissioner.

Rettig’s nomination is significant because he would be the first IRS Commissioner in 22 years with a background in tax practice. Rettig is currently a tax attorney practicing in California.

“During his 35+ year professional career with Hochman, Salkin, Rettig, Toscher & Perez, PC, Chuck Rettig has represented numerous taxpayers before every administrative level of the Internal Revenue Service as well as in matters before the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and various other taxing authorities,” the White House said in a statement announcing Rettig’s nomination.

In addition to his work in private practice, Rettig served as Chairman of the IRS Advisory Council, has served as a Member of the Advisory Board for the California Franchise Tax Board and was previously a Member of the Advisory Council of the California State Board of Equalization.

Rettig is a certified specialist in taxation law, estate planning, and trust and probate law. He received his LL.M. in taxation from New York University, his law degree from Pepperdine University, and his B.A. (in economics) from the University of Calfornia at Los Angeles.

The IRS has been plagued by scandal in recent years after Lois Lerner, former director of the Exempt Organizations Unit of the IRS, allegedly led an effort by the IRS to target conservative political organizations. Due in part to the scandal, the term of former Commissioner John Koskinen was not renewed in November 2017, and acting director David Kautter has led the IRS ever since.

A nomination hearing date for Rettig has yet to be set.