The Internal Revenue Service has named Trish Turner as the new head of its digital assets division. This move follows the departure of two key crypto executives, Sulolit Mukherjee and Seth Wilks. Turner, a veteran of over 20 years at the IRS, steps into the role during a time of rapid change in crypto policy and enforcement.
Both Mukherjee and Wilks entered the IRS directly from the private sector. They co-chaired the Office of Digital Assets for about a year. Mukherjee was the compliance and implementation leader. Wilks was the digital asset strategy and development leader. They both played top leadership positions in determining the way the agency administers tax laws in the digital economy.
IRS tightens crypto rules amid leadership shift
Their departures follow the IRS tightening its grip on digital currencies. In the last few years, it has initiated more crypto holdings audits and criminal inquiries. It also implemented new broker reporting rules. These are designed to plug tax loopholes but have faced vigorous criticism from the sector for being excessively far-reaching.
Most recently, Turner served as a senior adviser in the very office that she now directs. Her appointment adds a more conventional IRS presence to the job. She will have to steer the division through regulatory hurdles and increasing political heat.
The overall political landscape might also change crypto policy. A second Trump administration that wins office would likely favor lighter regulation. Officials have already started asking the crypto sector which current rules should be reversed.
IRS faces staff strain and crypto pressure
The IRS itself also comes under stress. Over 23,000 workers have expressed that they may resign from the organization. This follows the Trump administration having reopened its deferred resignation program.
Turner’s leadership starts right there in this time of uncertainty. Her established relationship with the agency will serve to stabilize the digital assets unit. The IRS will require strong leadership as it weighs enforcement objectives against changing public and political expectations.
The developments indicate how digital assets keep transforming the world of taxation. With new leadership and increasing heat, the IRS needs to determine how far to push crypto regulation in the coming years.
