New Irs Boss Says Changes Will Take Time

Charles O. Rossotti, sworn in Thursday as the new IRS commissioner, promised to make the agency more taxpayer friendly but cautioned that major improvements would take time.

“There is simply no way to fire a magic bullet and achieve the results that we are seeking,” Rossotti said.

Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin administered the oath of office to Rossotti, 56, of Washington, D.C. He becomes the first nontax lawyer or accountant to head the Internal Revenue Service in decades. Last week, the Senate approved Rossotti by a 92-0 vote.

Acknowledging the heavy criticism of the agency, Rossotti said, “Anyone would be somewhat daunted by the challenges of accepting this job at this point in time. I’m not an exception.

“But I am also, by nature, an optimist,” Rossotti said.

Overhauling the IRS has become a priority in Washington this year since a congressional panel released a yearlong study that described severe shortfalls in service, management and the IRS’ computer system.

This study, combined with dramatic Senate hearings into taxpayer abuses, led the House to pass a major IRS restructuring bill earlier this month. Senate action is expected next year.

The Clinton administration had initiated several changes as well, such as halting a failed computer modernization program. Selection of Rossotti, an experienced private sector executive with broad technology experience, is central to the administration’s plans to revamp the agency.

“Charles Rossotti is exceedingly well-equipped to lead the organization at this critical time,” Rubin said.