New IRS CEO Also Heads Social Security — Experts Warn Dual Role Could Create 'Lack Of Stability' At Both Agencies

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Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano was announced as the first CEO of the IRS on Oct. 6 — a decision that has raised questions among experts about whether one person can effectively lead two major federal agencies.

A New Role at a Critical Time

Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent said Bisignano will handle the IRS's daily operations while keeping his position at the Social Security Administration, according to the Treasury Department's statement. Bessent praised Bisignano as a "businessman with an exceptional track record of driving growth and efficiency," noting that both agencies share similar goals around technology and customer service improvements.

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Bisignano, a former CEO of financial services company Fiserv, has decades of experience in finance and technology. But his appointment comes at a challenging time for both agencies. The IRS is preparing to implement major tax law changes and manage a smaller workforce, while the SSA faces staffing shortages and rising demand from retirees and beneficiaries.

Concerns About Leadership Stability

Some experts say the dual appointment could make an already complex situation more volatile. Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told CNBC that "it's crunch time at the IRS," with major tax changes set to impact the 2026 filing season.

Since January, six individuals have served as IRS commissioner or acting commissioner, and there is currently no deputy commissioner overseeing daily operations. "That's a lot of volatility at the top," Werfel said, warning that a "lack of stability" could affect taxpayers waiting for refunds or service during filing season.

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"This arrangement doesn't sound like stability at the IRS," Alex Muresianu, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, told CNBC. "To me, this seems like yet another sort of odd, unusual interim arrangement."

Data Security and Workload Questions

Advocates for Social Security recipients also worry about the unprecedented overlap. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, told CNBC that having one person lead both agencies raises concerns about keeping sensitive data separate. SSA employees handle personal benefit and medical information, while IRS employees deal with confidential tax data — two systems designed to remain independent.

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Others argue that Bisignano may simply have too much on his plate. "This agency is too important to have a part-time leader," National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare President Max Richtman told CNBC. He warned that seniors and people with disabilities could experience slower service or delays in benefits.

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What Comes Next

Supporters of the decision say Bisignano's private-sector background could bring efficiency and innovation to both agencies. But critics question whether one person can effectively manage two massive agencies that impact nearly every American household.

As tax season approaches, experts will be watching how Bisignano divides his attention — and whether the dual leadership helps streamline operations or adds new layers of uncertainty for taxpayers and beneficiaries alike.

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This article New IRS CEO Also Heads Social Security — Experts Warn Dual Role Could Create 'Lack Of Stability' At Both Agencies originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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