Readers Remember William Hoffman

 

We are saddened to learn of Bill's passing. During a period when many publications scaled back their coverage of tax issues, Bill was among the few who had detailed knowledge of the inner workings of the IRS and the challenges the agency faces serving the nation.

Bill had an eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of information, and frequently he would be the only reporter in the room at public meetings on tax issues. That depth of knowledge was reflected in his reporting. Bill’s hard work and dedication served the tax community and his readers well. He will be missed.

Charles P. Rettig, commissioner, Internal Revenue Service

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I spoke often with Bill for most of his 10 years at Tax Analysts and found him thoughtful, dogged, and serious. I respected him professionally and liked him personally. He made me a better source.

Just yesterday I talked with a tax reporter with whom I had not spoken in some time. Only a few minutes into that conversation, I tapped the brakes and made clear our conversation was for background only and off the record. I didn't know Bill had passed and in that moment thought of him because he'd once reminded me a reporter's default position would always be that a conversation was on the record.

Thank you for remembering him well and bringing a smile to my face.

Robert Kerr, EA, Kerr Consulting LLC

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I was saddened to read about Bill's passing in Tax Notes Today. As an IRS official, I read many of his articles, and he always called things as he saw them. It showed that he cared about the impact of tax laws and tax administration on the American public. I was especially touched by his request to do a story on the inner workings of the IRS to implement the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. When he reached out, my only request was that he focus beyond the few executives in the Tax Reform Implementation Office and speak with many other dedicated IRS employees who worked hard to implement the new law. He did just that and put a human face to those doing the work at the IRS. My partner in TRIO, Tom Kaine, always talked about Bill bringing croissants to our early-morning meeting. Bill knew how to get a story while putting people at ease. He will be missed by many people at the IRS and in the tax community.

Sunita Lough, IRS commissioner of the Tax-Exempt and Government Entities Division

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Such sad news about Bill. But this quote jumped out at me -- "'I just want to be clear, I'm not a mentor,' he said. 'I'm a reporter. I don't want you to have any illusions before you make your decision.'"

Funny thing about that: He was a mentor to me at Tax Notes! He certainly took me under his wing. Unofficially, of course. And I really appreciate him and Tax Notes for that opportunity.

Kat Lucero

The writer was a reporter for Tax Notes from 2015 until 2016.

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My condolences to the Tax Notes family on the death of William Hoffman. Chuck O'Toole's remembrance of William brought back memories of him interviewing me when I was with the Tax Executives Institute. William was tough as nails and was always looking for a story (even when I didn't think there was one!), but was thorough and always fair. As someone who has been on the periphery of the journalism world my entire life, it seems to me that may be the best eulogy you could write for a reporter.

Timothy McCormally

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I was so saddened to read about Bill Hoffman's passing. He was always so smart, clear, and professional in all of my dealings with him. My heart goes out to his family – it was far too soon to be his time.

Scott D. Michel, member, Caplin & Drysdale

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I read with great sadness the news of Bill's passing, and I wanted to pass along my deepest condolences to you, his colleagues, and his family. I had the great pleasure of working with Bill over the years, and I always found him to be thoughtful, smart, and fair. He was a very good journalist, and he will be missed by so many.

Kathy Pickering, chief tax officer, The Tax Institute @ H&R Block