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Dave Martin
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“The IRS is set up around two functions: service and enforcement.” Fmr IRS Commissioner, Danny Werfel
New York, NY — February 24, 2026— In a revealing and surprisingly human conversation on The Good Government Show, former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood institutions in American life — and makes a compelling case for why a strong IRS is essential to fairness, efficiency, and good government.
Werfel, who served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, brings decades of public service experience to a conversation that challenges common assumptions about taxes and the role of government. His central message is clear: the IRS is not designed to take more from taxpayers — it is designed to help them get it right. “The underlying mission of the IRS… is to assist taxpayers… and enforce the tax laws fairly and equitably,” he explains.
Far from being an adversary, Werfel describes the IRS as a service organization built to navigate the complexity of the American tax system. But he also warns that weakening the agency has real consequences. “A messy IRS… does not mean lower taxes for you. Only Congress can lower your taxes,” Werfel says, emphasizing that underfunding the agency ultimately shifts the burden onto those who follow the rules.
Pull Quotes
“A messy IRS… does not mean lower taxes for you.”
“The IRS is set up around two functions: service and enforcement.”
“Every IRS employee earns 4 to 6 dollars back to the Treasury.”
“The only way to hold leaders accountable is through engagement.”
“90% of government is something we all actually agree on.”
The episode dives deep into the operational realities of running the nation’s tax system — from long lines at IRS service centers to the critical balance between technology and human expertise. Werfel shares a striking statistic: on a single day near the tax deadline, thousands of Americans lined up for in-person help, underscoring just how essential IRS services are to everyday taxpayers.
Beyond taxes, the conversation broadens into a larger reflection on government itself. Werfel argues that much of what government does is invisible but essential — from safe food and reliable infrastructure to emergency response systems. “90 percent of government is something we all actually agree on,” he notes, urging Americans to focus more on shared priorities than partisan divides.
Ultimately, Werfel offers a grounded and pragmatic vision of good government: one that runs smoothly, adapts to challenges, modernizes continuously, and — most importantly — responds to the needs of the people it serves.
The full episode is available now at GoodGovernmentShow.com and on all major podcast platforms.
About The Good Government Show
The Good Government Show is a national podcast highlighting leaders, ideas, and real-world examples of government working effectively for the people. Through thoughtful conversations, the show explores how transparency, leadership, and innovation can strengthen democracy and restore trust in public institutions.