WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that Jarod Koopman will serve as its Acting Chief Tax Compliance Officer (CTCO), assuming leadership over the agency’s enforcement and compliance divisions.
In this role, Koopman will oversee key IRS operations that protect the integrity of the U.S. tax system and promote fair compliance across all taxpayer segments.
Overseeing Critical Compliance Operations
As Acting CTCO, Koopman will lead compliance activities across multiple divisions, including Large Business and International (LBI), Small Business/Self-Employed (SB/SE), Tax Exempt and Government Entities (TE/GE), Criminal Investigation (CI), the Office of Professional Responsibility, the Return Preparer Office, and the Whistleblower Office.
His responsibilities encompass strategic coordination across these departments to ensure consistent, transparent, and effective enforcement.
A Proven IRS Leader in Cybercrime and Financial Enforcement
Since 2016, Koopman has been a driving force within IRS Criminal Investigation, serving as Director of both the Cyber Crimes and Cyber and Forensics Services sections.
Under his leadership, the IRS significantly expanded its capabilities in digital investigations, positioning itself as a global leader in cryptocurrency tracing and dark web enforcement. His work has been instrumental in combating emerging financial crimes in the digital era.
Building the IRS’s Cybercrime Expertise
Koopman’s leadership led to the development of advanced cyber forensics programs that strengthened the IRS’s ability to detect, trace, and prosecute digital financial crimes.
These efforts have helped law enforcement partners worldwide better understand and address criminal activity involving virtual currencies, online fraud, and illicit marketplaces. His strategic vision has shaped the agency’s evolving approach to technology-driven crime.
Distinguished Field Experience
Before his assignment in Washington, D.C., Koopman served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office and later as Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office.
In these leadership roles, he guided complex investigations involving financial fraud, tax evasion, and cybercrime. His management of CI personnel in Michigan and Illinois reflected his commitment to operational excellence and effective enforcement.
Early Career and Rapid Advancement
Koopman’s IRS career began in 2002 after graduating from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), where he completed both the Criminal Investigator Training Program and the IRS-CI Special Agent Basic Training Program—graduating at the top of his class.
His early assignments demonstrated strong analytical and investigative skills, quickly earning him recognition within the agency’s law enforcement ranks.
Leadership Development and National Initiatives
In 2010, Koopman was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent for the Western District of New York. The following year, he joined the Accelerated Senior Leadership Program (ASLP) and transitioned to IRS Headquarters as a Senior Analyst.
Working alongside the National Identity Theft Coordinator, he contributed to the IRS’s national initiative to combat identity theft, which became a top agency priority in 2012.
Recognized Expertise and National Attention
Koopman’s groundbreaking work in digital financial enforcement has gained national recognition.
His leadership and expertise are highlighted in Michael Lewis’s bestselling book Who is Government, as well as in The Washington Post’s “Cyber Sleuth” series, which profiled the growing importance of IRS Criminal Investigation in addressing cybercrime and financial integrity challenges.
A Native Leader with a Strong Educational Foundation
A native of Upstate New York, Koopman earned his degree from Nazareth University in Rochester. His educational background, combined with decades of field and executive experience, reflects a deep understanding of law enforcement, compliance, and the evolving intersection of technology and taxation.
Stewart Pearlman Named Acting Deputy Chief
Alongside this appointment, Stewart Pearlman will serve as Acting Deputy Chief within the CTCO organization. Pearlman has most recently held the position of Acting Deputy Chief Operating Officer and brings more than a decade of experience in Small Business/Self-Employed (SB/SE) operations.
His expertise includes overseeing Abusive Trust programs and helping establish and train Offer in Compromise staff in Memphis, Tennessee.
A Career of Innovation and Collaboration
Throughout his IRS career, Pearlman has led multiple high-impact initiatives. He helped establish the Affordable Care Act (ACA) team within IRS IT, served as Chief of Staff for the Chief Information Officer (CIO), and later as Chief of Staff for Procurement from 2019 to 2025.
His recent transition to the CTCO office strengthens continuity and leadership during this interim period.
Strengthening Compliance and Public Trust
Together, Koopman and Pearlman represent the IRS’s ongoing commitment to fair tax administration, enforcement integrity, and modernization.
Their combined expertise will ensure that the agency continues to uphold its mission of maintaining public confidence in the tax system while leveraging innovation to improve compliance outcomes across the board.
FAQs
Who is Jarod Koopman?
Jarod Koopman is the Acting Chief Tax Compliance Officer at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He oversees the agency’s enforcement and compliance divisions, including Criminal Investigation, Large Business and International, and Small Business/Self-Employed units.
What is the role of the Chief Tax Compliance Officer?
The Chief Tax Compliance Officer (CTCO) leads IRS efforts to ensure fair tax administration and compliance. The position oversees enforcement divisions, coordinates compliance initiatives, and ensures consistent application of tax laws across individuals, businesses, and exempt entities.
What are Jarod Koopman’s achievements within the IRS?
Koopman has led the creation of the IRS Cyber Crimes and Cyber and Forensics Services sections, making the IRS a global leader in cryptocurrency tracing and dark web investigations. His leadership has strengthened the agency’s ability to address technology-driven financial crimes.
What positions has Jarod Koopman held previously?
Before his current role, Koopman served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office, and Director of Cyber and Forensics Services at IRS Criminal Investigation.
Who is Stewart Pearlman and what is his new role?
Stewart Pearlman has been appointed Acting Deputy Chief in the CTCO organization. He brings more than a decade of leadership experience at the IRS, including work in Small Business/Self-Employed operations, Procurement, and Information Technology.
Where has Jarod Koopman been featured for his work?
Koopman’s work has been highlighted in Michael Lewis’s bestselling book “Who is Government” and in The Washington Post’s “Cyber Sleuth” series, which profiled the IRS’s expanding role in investigating cyber and financial crimes.
