IRS Whistleblower Program: Tax Fraud Tips and Awards
The IRS whistleblower program pays awards of 15 to 30 percent of additional taxes, penalties, and interest collected based on whistleblower information. To qualify for the mandatory award program, the disputed amount must exceed two million dollars or the alleged offender must have annual gross income over $200,000. The program has paid over $1.2 billion in awards since 2007.
Program Eligibility
The mandatory award program under Section 7623(b) requires disputed amounts over two million dollars or individual offenders with annual income over $200,000. Below these thresholds the discretionary program under 7623(a) applies but awards are not guaranteed. Information must be specific and credible enough to justify investigation. Anonymous filing is permitted through legal representation.
Filing Procedure
Submit Form 211 to the IRS Whistleblower Office. Include detailed description of the alleged violation, supporting documentation, the taxpayer name and identifying information if known, and your relationship to the information. Working with an experienced tax whistleblower attorney is strongly recommended given the technical nature of tax law and the years-long award process.
Award Process
Awards are paid only after the IRS collects additional taxes based on whistleblower information. The process typically takes 5 to 10 years from initial filing to award payment. Awards are taxable as ordinary income. The whistleblower has limited communication with the IRS during the investigation. Patience and detailed documentation are essential.
Key Findings
- IRS has paid over $1.2 billion in whistleblower awards since 2007 program inception
- Mandatory awards require disputed amounts over two million dollars
- Award process typically takes 5 to 10 years from filing to payment
Timeline
Section 7623(b) mandatory award program enacted
Bradley Birkenfeld receives $104 million award for UBS tax shelter
IRS announces total awards exceed $850 million