Acting IRS Chief to Resign After DHS Data Agreement

Washington D.C. - The acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly planning to resign amid controversy over a data-sharing agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Sources familiar with the matter indicate the resignation stems from concerns about the scope and legality of the agreement, which allowed DHS access to taxpayer data for unspecified purposes.

The agreement, signed earlier this year, has drawn criticism from privacy advocates and some members of Congress, who argue that it oversteps the bounds of legal authority and could potentially violate taxpayer privacy rights. The IRS has defended the agreement, stating that it was intended to improve national security and combat tax evasion. However, critics contend that the benefits do not outweigh the risks.

The resignation of the acting commissioner adds further uncertainty to the IRS, which has faced challenges in recent years due to budget cuts and staffing shortages. The White House has not yet commented on the situation, but an announcement is expected later this week. The future of the data-sharing agreement remains unclear, with some lawmakers calling for a full investigation into its legality and impact on taxpayer privacy.