William Paul, who currently holds the position of principal deputy chief counsel at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is set to reprise his role as the agency’s acting chief counsel. This transition arises following the departure of the current IRS Chief Counsel, Majorie Rollinson, whose tenure will conclude this week. Rollinson initially assumed her position in March 2024. Paul’s interim appointment was confirmed by Rachel Levy, the associate chief counsel at the Office of the Chief Counsel. Levy made the announcement during the D.C. Bar Tax Conference, outlining the upcoming changes in the IRS’s legal leadership team.
The role of the IRS chief counsel is pivotal within the agency, as it involves not only the formation of regulations and guidance but also the provision of legal assistance during audits and the delivery of general legal services across IRS divisions. These responsibilities underscore the significance of this role within the operational framework of the IRS.
William Paul is no stranger to this position, having previously served as the acting chief counsel. His return to this post highlights his extensive experience and the trust placed in him to guide the IRS through potential legal challenges and reinforce its regulatory efforts. For further details on these developments, the original report by Bloomberg Tax provides additional context.