IRS resignations could be a protest

International Tax Review is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

IRS resignations could be a protest

Three top-level officials in the US Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) LB&I department have resigned in the space of one week, leading tax professionals to question whether the moves are a response to some kind of internal restructuring.

Mike Danilak announced his resignation, effective from July 2. Shortly after Danilak’s announcement, Samuel Maruca also resigned, effective from August 1. And Diana Wollman, director of strategy and reporting to Danilak, has also handed in her resignation.

Three high-level resignations in such a short space of time can surely not be coincidence.

On Tuesday it was also announced that LB&I’s top domestic person also was leaving - Laura Prendergast, the LB&I acting deputy commissioner. 

“Something has happened but I don’t know what,” said one adviser. “I’m sure it will come out in time. Whatever it is, it’s not good. The departing international officials, in particular, have a done a very good job and will be missed. It’s also not a good time for these high-level departures given all the BEPS stuff that’s going on.”

Douglas O'Donnell, LB&I assistant deputy commissioner will take over for Danilak in the interim.

 

more across site & shared bottom lb ros

More from across our site

Australia’s conservative opposition will repeal controversial tax agent reporting rules if elected in the country’s May general election
Shapley would be the fourth person to hold the job this year; in other news, UK tax advisory firm MHA raised fewer funds than expected from its London IPO
The US needs to be involved in pillar one for there to be more international acceptance of the project, Michael Masciangelo says
The UK regulator is investigating EY’s auditing of the national postal service as it relates to the high-profile Horizon scandal, which saw hundreds wrongfully convicted
The directive will extend cooperation and information exchange around pillar two, according to the Council of the EU
Audit engagement partner Christopher Voogd has also been hit with a £32,500 charge over the firm’s work with Stirling Water Seafield Finance
China’s largest overhaul of its tax administration system in 24 years, featuring enhanced enforcement powers, is underway, says Abe Zhao of FenXun Partners
However, the US president increased tariffs on imported Chinese goods to 125%; in other news, UK tax firm MHA expects to raise £102m from its London listing
A mere three firms accounted for more than 90% of top-up taxes paid, according to research from Deloitte
Taxpayers with Brazilian operations should revisit their withholding positions in light of updated US guidance, writes Rafael Benevides, senior tax counsel at Meta
Gift this article