The IRS has highlighted the important role of whistleblowers in exposing fraud, reducing the tax gap and strengthening compliance. The National Whistleblower Day, on July 20, commemorates the nation’s first whistleblower law, enacted in 1778. Since 2007, whistleblower information has contributed to significant enforcement outcomes with more than $8 billion recovered and over $1.4 billion paid in awards.
“Historically whistleblowers have played an essential role in tax administration by calling attention to problems others have overlooked,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “Information provided by whistleblowers helps the IRS identify noncompliance, pursue enforcement actions, and ensure fairness for taxpayers who follow the law, he added.”
Over the past year, the IRS enhanced its digital tools to easily submit a whistleblower claim. These tools include (1) a digital Form 211, Application for Award for Original Information; (2) a centralized reporting tool that provides step-by-step guidance to report fraud and scams; and (3) the Whistleblower Alert initiative, which highlights emerging abusive tax schemes and helps report suspicious activity. Finally, more information can be found here.
