IRS Names Lerner Director of Exempt Organizations

WASHINGTON-The IRS has named Lois G. Lerner its new director of its Exempt Organizations Division. “Protecting the integrity of tax-exempt organizations is an important part of our enforcement program,” IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson said. “Lois’s background, including her work for the Federal Election Commission, qualifies her for this new assignment.” The division is responsible for administering and enforcing tax laws on more than 1.8 million tax-exempt organizations, including credit unions. The tax-exempt sector of the economy had total assets of approximately $3.7 trillion in 2002, the latest year for which data are available, with revenues of $1.2 trillion. Lerner came to the IRS in 2001 and was serving as the director of the Exempt Organizations Rulings & Agreements Division, where she was responsible for the exempt organization determinations letter program, public guidance and technical assistance, prior to her promotion. She previously worked as associate general counsel for enforcement and acting general counsel at the Federal Election Commission. Lerner replaces Martha Sullivan, who retired at the end of December.