Inside the IRS: A Conversation with Terry Lemons

For our milestone 50th episode, Roger Harris and Annie Schwab welcome Terry Lemons, who spent 26 years at the IRS including 11 years as Chief of Communications and Liaison. Terry shares insights from working with six different IRS commissioners, preparing officials for congressional testimony, and navigating public perceptions of the agency. The conversation explores the critical role of the tax professional community, challenges facing the IRS today, and lessons from past filing season successes and failures.

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• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (01:13) - Celebrating the 50th Podcast with Special Guest Terry Lemons
• (02:52) - Terry Lemons' Journey to the IRS
• (06:16) - The Role and Influence of IRS Commissioners
• (11:02) - Preparing a Commissioner to Testify Before Congress
• (21:57) - Challenges and Perceptions of Working at the IRS
• (28:12) - Debunking IRS Agent Myths
• (29:43) - IRS Efficiency and Transformation
• (31:10) - Challenges and Improvements at the IRS
• (32:32) - Reflecting on Filing Seasons
• (34:50) - Historical IRS Challenges
• (39:10) - Future Tax Law Changes and Implications
• (43:17) - Terry's Retirement Plans
• (44:53) - The Importance of Tax Professionals Community
• (51:01) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Connect with Terry Lemons
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lemons-77b3641a9

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

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