Trish Turner resigned as head of the IRS digital assets division after roughly three months, leaving the agency during a period of intensified US crypto tax scrutiny and signaling a potential shift as she moves to the private sector to advise industry stakeholders.
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Turner resigned after ~3 months leading the IRS digital assets division.
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She is reportedly joining Crypto Tax Girl as tax director, according to Bloomberg Tax and a LinkedIn announcement.
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Her exit follows prior short tenures for two other private-sector leaders and arrives amid heightened US crypto tax reforms and oversight.
Trish Turner resignation: IRS digital assets division leader steps down after three months — implications for US crypto tax policy and what industry stakeholders should expect next.
What happened to Trish Turner at the IRS digital assets division?
Trish Turner resigned as head of the IRS digital assets division after roughly three months in the role. She announced her departure on LinkedIn, citing more than 20 years of service at the IRS and a plan to continue work on digital assets from the private sector.
Where is Turner reportedly moving next?
Bloomberg Tax reported Turner told the outlet she will join Crypto Tax Girl as tax director; the company’s founder posted a LinkedIn announcement confirming Turner’s upcoming advisory role. These moves are common as the private sector seeks experienced tax and compliance leadership.
How does Turner’s exit compare to previous IRS crypto leaders?
Turner follows Sulolit “Raj” Mukherjee and Seth Wilks, both private-sector experts who served roughly a year before exiting. The pattern shows short tenures for recent unit leaders, raising questions about long-term continuity for the IRS crypto strategy.
Why does this matter for US crypto tax policy?
Turner’s resignation arrives while Congress and oversight bodies intensify focus on digital assets. On July 11, House Committee leadership scheduled a hearing to set a tax policy framework for digital assets. Separately, the Treasury Inspector General recommended reforms to IRS criminal investigations involving digital assets.
What are the immediate implications for taxpayers and firms?
Expect continued regulatory uncertainty in the near term. Firms and taxpayers should prioritize compliance readiness as the IRS refines enforcement and reporting expectations. Industry advisors, including firms like Crypto Tax Girl, anticipate increased demand for guidance as new rules and audits emerge.
Timeline of key developments
- May 2025: Turner tapped to lead the IRS digital assets division.
- July 4, 2025: Joint congressional resolution overturned a DeFi reporting rule.
- July 11, 2025: Congressional hearing announced to address digital asset tax framework.
- August 2025: Turner announces resignation and move to private sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Trish Turner lead the IRS digital assets division?
Turner led the division for roughly three months after her May appointment, resigning in August 2025 to pursue a private-sector role.
Will Turner’s move affect IRS investigations or audits?
Leadership change does not pause existing investigations, but it may shift priorities and resource allocation as new leadership or interim managers set enforcement focus.
Key Takeaways
- Leadership turnover: Short tenures in the IRS crypto unit continue, which could slow long-term program continuity.
- Private-sector migration: Turner’s reported move to Crypto Tax Girl underscores growing demand for experienced crypto tax advisors.
- Policy implications: Ongoing Congressional hearings and Inspector General recommendations mean heightened regulatory activity regardless of personnel changes.
Conclusion
Trish Turner’s resignation marks another rapid leadership change in the IRS digital assets division at a moment of intense policy activity. Stakeholders should monitor Congressional hearings, Inspector General reports, and industry advisories for near-term guidance. Industry and taxpayers will need to stay agile as regulatory priorities evolve.
