Veteran IRS official Trish Turner has been appointed to helm the agency’s digital assets division, following the abrupt departures of two key executives. The announcement comes as the IRS faces mounting challenges in enforcing crypto tax compliance amid a backdrop of internal upheaval and evolving regulatory landscapes.
A Changing of the Guard in Digital Assets
Turner, who brings over two decades of IRS experience to her new role, succeeds Sulolit “Raj” Mukherjee and Seth Wilks—both of whom recently vacated their positions after just a year. Mukherjee and Wilks were pivotal in steering the IRS’s crypto compliance and strategy efforts, with Wilks notably explaining his departure via LinkedIn as an attempt to ease potential job losses for others within the agency. Their exits highlight the volatile environment within the IRS, where over 23,000 employees have reportedly considered resignation following the reintroduction of a deferred resignation policy.
For Turner, the transition is not just a step up the career ladder—it’s a leap into the eye of a regulatory storm. Her appointment is seen by many as a stabilizing move, aiming to bring continuity and experience back to the helm of a division that’s under intense scrutiny.
Crypto Scrutiny Intensifies
The IRS has ramped up its focus on cryptocurrencies in recent years, pursuing audits and criminal investigations targeting digital asset transactions. The agency has also attempted to implement sweeping crypto broker reporting requirements, which were ultimately overturned by President Donald Trump. The so-called IRS DeFi broker rule, set for 2027, would have expanded reporting mandates to include decentralized finance platforms, requiring disclosure of gross proceeds from crypto sales along with taxpayer information.
According to industry insiders, these moves reflect a broader trend of increasing regulatory pressure on the crypto sector—a trend that Turner will have to navigate carefully. “Trish Turner is stepping into a hotbed of regulatory reform,” says crypto analyst Jane Harper. “Her experience within the IRS could be crucial in balancing enforcement with innovation.” For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage of the SEC’s latest guidance.
Regulatory Shifts Under the New Administration
Adding complexity to Turner’s new role is a shifting regulatory climate following the return of the Trump administration in January. Federal agencies have begun scaling back certain regulations deemed burdensome to digital asset innovation. The Securities and Exchange Commission, for example, has paused or dropped over a dozen enforcement cases against crypto firms. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice’s dissolution of its cryptocurrency enforcement unit signals a potentially softer stance on the industry. This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our analysis of corporate treasury investments.
This regulatory pivot raises questions about the future of crypto oversight in the U.S. Will Turner’s IRS division embrace a more lenient approach, or double down on enforcement amid these changes? As Washington’s stance on crypto remains in flux, Turner’s leadership could play a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s path forward.
The Road Ahead
The coming months will be critical for Turner and the IRS’s digital asset division. With the IRS’s internal challenges and external pressures converging, how Turner’s leadership unfolds could set the tone for the agency’s crypto enforcement strategy for years to come.
For the crypto community, these developments are both a concern and a potential opportunity. On one hand, regulatory uncertainty can stifle innovation; on the other, a balanced approach could foster a more sustainable crypto ecosystem.
As the IRS and other federal agencies continue to grapple with the complexities of cryptocurrency regulation, Turner’s tenure will undoubtedly be watched closely by industry stakeholders and policymakers alike. The question remains: Can she steer the division through these turbulent times and foster a regulatory environment that supports both compliance and growth? Only time will tell.
Source
This article is based on: IRS appoints Trish Turner to head crypto division amid resignations
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
