{"id":11793,"date":"2025-05-06T13:06:43","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T11:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/?p=11793"},"modified":"2025-05-06T13:06:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T11:06:43","slug":"irs-names-trish-turner-as-new-leader-of-crypto-division-following-recent-exits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/06\/irs-names-trish-turner-as-new-leader-of-crypto-division-following-recent-exits\/","title":{"rendered":"IRS Names Trish Turner as New Leader of Crypto Division Following Recent Exits"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Seasoned US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) official Trish Turner has been designated to head the agency\u2019s digital assets division after the exit of two prominent crypto-oriented executives.<\/p>\n

Turner, who has dedicated over 20 years to the IRS and most recently acted as a senior advisor within the Digital Assets Office, will now lead the unit, as per a report<\/a> from Bloomberg Tax referencing a source acquainted with the circumstances.<\/p>\n

Her elevation signifies a notable shift in leadership during a time when US crypto tax enforcement is under both internal and external scrutiny.<\/p>\n

On May 5, Sulolit \u201cRaj\u201d Mukherjee and Seth Wilks, two private-sector specialists appointed to spearhead the IRS\u2019s crypto unit, departed after approximately a year in their positions.<\/p>\n

Mukherjee held the role of compliance and implementation executive director, whereas Wilks was responsible for strategy and development. Wilks announced his resignation on LinkedIn, while Mukherjee confirmed his decision in a statement to Bloomberg Tax.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth is that federal employees have endured a very challenging environment in recent months,\u201d Wilks noted. \u201cIf stepping back helps to safeguard someone else\u2019s role, then I am at ease with the choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth Wilks disclosed his resignation on LinkedIn. Source: <\/em>Seth Wilks<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Related: <\/strong><\/em>Coinbase submits brief to US Supreme Court in favor of taxpayers\u2019 privacy<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

IRS intensifies crypto examination<\/h2>\n

The IRS has amplified its attention on cryptocurrency in recent years, enhancing audits and criminal investigations related to digital asset transactions.<\/p>\n

It also sought to introduce comprehensive crypto broker reporting mandates, which faced strong opposition from industry stakeholders and was ultimately revoked by President Donald Trump<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Scheduled to take effect in 2027, the so-called IRS DeFi broker rule<\/a> aimed to broaden the tax authority\u2019s existing\u00a0reporting obligations<\/a> to encompass\u00a0DeFi platforms<\/a>, compelling them to reveal gross proceeds from crypto sales, including details about taxpayers engaged in the transactions.<\/p>\n

Related: <\/strong><\/em>NFT trader faces imprisonment for $13M tax fraud on CryptoPunk earnings<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Turner\u2019s leadership also coincides with a transformation in Washington\u2019s stance on crypto regulation.<\/p>\n

With the return of the Trump administration in January, federal bodies have eased regulations considered onerous to digital asset progress.<\/p>\n

For example, the Securities and Exchange Commission has curtailed or paused over a dozen enforcement actions against crypto enterprises. Moreover, the Department of Justice has announced the\u00a0closure of its cryptocurrency enforcement unit<\/a>, indicating a more lenient approach to the sector.<\/p>\n

Internally, the IRS is also facing instability. Over 23,000 employees have reportedly shown interest in resigning<\/a> after Trump reinstated a deferred resignation policy, raising concerns regarding long-term staffing and morale within the agency.<\/p>\n

Magazine:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Bitcoin predicted to reach $1M \u2018by 2029,\u2019 CIA recognizes Bitcoin: Hodler\u2019s Digest, April 27 \u2013 May 3<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n