The IRS has selected two longtime agency executives, Eric Hylton and Tamera Ripperda, to take over as heads of the Small Business/Self-Employed Division and the Tax-Exempt and Government Entities Division, respectively.
Current SB/SE Deputy Commissioner Ripperda will replace TE/GE Commissioner Sunita Lough, who will take over as deputy commissioner of services and enforcement starting September 1. IRS Criminal Investigation Deputy Chief Hylton will then become head of SB/SE, according to an IRS release.
“Eric and Tammy bring a strong background in leadership and tax issues that will help us as we continue our work improving our taxpayer services but also taking important steps on enforcement initiatives inside the IRS,” IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said in the release.
Hylton’s enforcement background will be helpful on SB/SE’s civil enforcement strategies and initiatives, according to Rettig.
Bryan C. Skarlatos of Kostelanetz & Fink LLP shared Rettig’s enthusiasm, telling Tax Notes that during Hylton’s time at CI, he “demonstrated that he is a people person with a real ability to communicate well and organize teams,” making him a “natural fit” to lead SB/SE.
