IRS resignations could be a protest

International Tax Review is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Garden, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

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

Salim Rahim, a TP specialist, had been a partner at Baker McKenzie since 2010
While the manual should be consulted for any questions around MAPs, the OECD’s Sriram Govind also emphasised that the guidance is ‘not a political commitment’
The landmark Indian Supreme Court judgment redefines GAAR, JAAR and treaty safeguards, rejects protections for indirect transfers and tightens conditions for Mauritius‑based investors claiming DTAA relief
The expansion introduces ‘business-level digital capabilities’ for tax professionals, the US tax agency said
As tax teams face pressure from complex rules and manual processes, adopting clear ownership, clean data and adaptable technology is essential, writes Russell Gammon, chief innovation officer at Tax Systems
Partners want to join Ryan because it’s a disruptor firm, truly global and less bureaucratic, Tom Shave told ITR
If Trump continues to poke the world’s ‘middle powers’ with a stick, he shouldn’t be surprised when they retaliate
The Netherlands-based bank was described as an ‘exemplar of total transparency’; in other news, Kirkland & Ellis made a senior tax hire in Dallas
Zion Adeoye, a tax specialist, had been suspended from the African law firm since October over misconduct allegations
The deal establishes Ryan’s property tax presence in Scotland and expands its ability to serve clients with complex commercial property portfolios across the UK, the firm said
Gift this article