The idea is that if you transfer your tokens to someone else, it is a taxable event. If you get paid for your tokens, then you have to pay for the capital gains. If you transfer the tokens for free, the gift limit applies.
There is no way for the IRS to know if the accounts belong to someone else and will only be able to catch you after the fact in an audit.

In Switzerland (where I live) omitting something on your tax return is a minor offence which will get you a slap on the wrist. I was informed that this was slightly different in the USA.

In conclusion: the IRS wants you to pay taxes when you transfer your tokens to someone else, which is definitely the case in a TGE if the tokens are first minted into the company’s address and then transferred to others.

Disclaimer: I’m no accountant and live in Switzerland. Thus please verify with a US accountant before creating your tax returns or otherwise acting upon this information.