Trish Turner Resigns as IRS Crypto Head After Three Months Amid Leadership Shakeup

Trish Turner, the newly appointed head of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) digital assets division, has resigned after serving for less than three months [2]. Her departure marks the latest in a series of high-profile leadership changes in the IRS’s crypto unit, following the exits of Sulolit “Raj” Mukherjee and Seth Wilks earlier in 2025 [2]. Turner, who spent over two decades at the IRS, is now the Tax Director at Crypto Tax Girl, a firm that provides guidance on cryptocurrency taxation for individuals and businesses [3].

In a LinkedIn post on August 22, 2025, Turner reflected on her career and expressed gratitude for the support she received during her tenure. She emphasized the progress made in advancing the IRS’s digital asset strategy, which has evolved from a niche concern to a central component of federal tax policy [2]. She also praised the dedication of her colleagues, particularly their efforts in developing frameworks for digital asset taxation and investing in advanced analytics and blockchain forensics [2].

Turner’s resignation adds to growing concerns over the IRS’s ability to effectively manage crypto tax compliance, especially amid broader agency reforms. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposed a 20% reduction in IRS staffing in March 2025, a move that may further strain the agency’s resources [5]. Turner’s transition to the private sector also reflects a broader trend of government officials moving into the crypto industry, potentially reshaping the landscape of tax compliance in the digital asset space [5].

The timing of her departure coincides with a period of regulatory flux. The House Committee on Ways and Means has been reviewing digital asset tax frameworks, while the Treasury Inspector General has called for reforms to the IRS’s criminal investigation unit following issues in crypto-related cases [1]. Meanwhile, the Trump administration recently reversed a Biden-era rule that would have required decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to report user transactions to the IRS, adding to the regulatory uncertainty [1].

Turner’s exit raises questions about the continuity of the IRS’s crypto enforcement strategies, particularly as new compliance tools—such as the proposed 1099-DA tax form—are introduced. Analysts suggest that the short tenures of key officials may hinder the long-term development of a stable and effective regulatory framework [5]. While Turner’s move to the private sector could facilitate improved communication between regulators and industry participants, the leadership vacuum at the IRS remains a concern as the agency continues to adapt to a fast-evolving sector [3].

Her decision to continue working in the crypto field highlights the growing intersection between government and private-sector expertise in managing digital asset compliance. As the IRS works to modernize its approach, the role of seasoned professionals like Turner may become increasingly important in bridging the gap between policy and practice [2].

Source:

[1] IRS Crypto Head Trish Turner Resigns From The Agency (https://cointelegraph.com/news/irs-crypto-boss-trish-turner-resigns-after-3-months-in-the-role)

[2] IRS Digital Assets Chief Trish Turner Resigns After Three (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/irs-digital-assets-chief-trish-140600604.html)

[3] IRS Loses Top Crypto Enforcer After Only 90 Days On The (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1064119-20250824)

[5] Trish Turner Quits IRS Crypto Post Amid 20% Workforce (https://www.ainvest.com/news/trish-turner-quits-irs-crypto-post-20-workforce-cuts-leadership-uncertainty-2508/)