Andy Keyso named Chief of IRS Independent Office of Appeals

Andy Keyso, who has an extensive background with the IRS and Chief Counsel organizations, has been selected to serve as the Chief of the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.

In his new role, Keyso will set strategy and oversee the operations of Appeals, which seeks to resolve tax controversies between taxpayer and the IRS without litigation. Keyso has served as the Deputy Chief of Appeals since July 2017 and has been acting as the Appeals Chief since January.

“Andy has a wide range of experience and expertise inside the IRS as well as Chief Counsel,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “His leadership will complement the talented team of Appeals employees. Andy and Appeals have done a fabulous job of helping continue their important work during this challenging time.”

Appeals is independent of the IRS compliance functions, including the examination and collection functions that make tax assessments and initiate collection actions. Appeals’ mission is to resolve tax controversies without litigation on a basis that is fair and impartial to both the government and taxpayers. Appeals has approximately 1,200 employees across the country.

Prior to joining Appeals, Keyso had more than 25 years of experience across the IRS, including serving as the IRS Chief of Staff. Before joining the Chief of Staff’s office, he served for 18 years in various positions in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, including as Associate Chief Counsel of the Income Tax and Accounting Division. He previously served as Special Counsel to the Chief Counsel and as an attorney in the Procedure and Administration Division. Prior to joining Chief Counsel, Keyso was a revenue agent in the former Newark, New Jersey District, where he later served as a technical advisor to the Chief, Examination Division.

Keyso is a graduate of Temple University School of Law, a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and a certified public accountant.