IRS Whistleblowers Awards
Billions of dollars of revenue and income go unreported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. To help collect these unreported funds, the IRS has set up a whistleblower rewards program so individuals have a strong incentive to report major tax fraud of more than $1 million. By doing so, whistleblowers are awarded a percentage of the funds the IRS ultimately recovers.
Our attorneys at Cross Law Firm, S.C., represent individuals across the country who are aware of serious IRS violations by their employer. However, you must act today – recovery is only possible if you are the first to bring forward new violations. Once you discuss your situation with our firm, we will take immediate action to file a claim and investigate the facts of your case.
Don’t Miss Your Chance For Substantial Compensation
Contact our IRS whistleblower lawyers online today or call our firm directly at 414-616-3229 to learn more about our services.
The IRS Whistleblower Program
Many employees are concerned about what could happen to them if their employer discovers they “blew the whistle” on a company’s tax fraud. They often worry about retaliation in the form of termination, discrimination, reduced hours or being denied a promotion. This worry should not deter you from doing what is right and contacting our firm. Federal law protects you against retaliation in any form. If your employer engages in retaliatory behavior, inform us immediately, and we will take swift action to protect your rights.
The IRS also protects the identity of all whistleblowers unless revealing their identity is required by law. In all such instances, the IRS will ask whether you wish to proceed.
How The Program Works
The IRS Whistleblower Program incentivizes individuals to report tax noncompliance by offering monetary rewards for information that leads to the collection of unpaid taxes. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Eligibility: You must possess specific and credible information about tax underpayment or violations of tax laws. This could include evidence of unreported income, hidden assets or fraudulent deductions.
- Submission: You submit a claim to the IRS using Form 211, Application for Award for Original Information. This form requires detailed information about the alleged tax fraud, the individuals or entities involved and supporting evidence.
- Investigation: The IRS reviews your claim and, if it meets their criteria, initiates an investigation. This may involve audits, interviews and the examination of financial records.
- Collection: If the IRS investigation confirms the tax fraud and successfully recovers unpaid taxes, penalties and interest, you become eligible for a monetary award.
- Award: Awards are typically calculated as a percentage of the collected proceeds, ranging from 15% to 30%. The exact percentage depends on factors such as the significance of your information and the extent of your involvement in the tax noncompliance.
This program encourages individuals with insider knowledge to come forward and assist the IRS in holding tax evaders accountable.
Protecting Your Rights As A Whistleblower
The IRS Whistleblower Program includes essential safeguards to protect individuals who report tax fraud:
- Confidentiality: The IRS takes measures to protect your identity and the information you provide. Your submission is handled confidentially, and your name is generally not disclosed to the taxpayers under investigation.
- Anti-retaliation: Federal laws, such as the Taxpayer First Act, prohibit employers and others from retaliating against whistleblowers. This includes protection from termination, demotion, harassment or other adverse action.
- Legal representation: You have the right to seek legal counsel throughout the whistleblower process. An attorney can help you understand your rights, prepare a strong claim and navigate any legal challenges that may arise.
These protections help ensure you can safely report tax fraud without fear of negative consequences.
Understanding Award Determinations
Several factors influence the amount of an IRS whistleblower award:
- Amount of proceeds collected: The primary factor is the amount of taxes, penalties and interest collected by the IRS as a result of your information. More significant recoveries generally result in larger awards.
- Originality of information: Providing original information that is not already known to the IRS increases the value of your claim.
- Extent of involvement: If you were involved in the tax noncompliance you are reporting, your award may be reduced or denied. The IRS assesses the extent of your participation in the fraudulent activity.
- Quality of submission: Submitting a well-documented and comprehensive claim with strong supporting evidence increases your chances of receiving a higher award.
Understanding these factors can help you maximize the potential value of your whistleblower claim.
Making A Difference
By participating in the IRS whistleblower program, you can play a crucial role in:
- Combating tax fraud: Your actions can help uncover hidden assets, expose fraudulent schemes and bring tax evaders to justice.
- Recovering lost revenue: Whistleblowers contribute significantly to the recovery of billions of dollars in unpaid taxes, which fund essential government services.
- Promoting fairness: You help ensure that everyone pays their fair share of taxes, creating a more equitable system for all taxpayers.
Your involvement in the program can significantly impact the integrity of our tax system.
Need Help With An IRS Whistleblower Claim?
Navigating the IRS Whistleblower Program can be complex. We can help you:
- Understand your rights: We explain the relevant laws and regulations and help you assess the strength of your potential claim.
- Prepare a strong claim: We assist you in gathering evidence, completing the necessary forms and presenting a compelling case to the IRS.
- Protect your interests: We advocate for your rights throughout the process and ensure you are protected from retaliation.
Our knowledgeable team can give you the support you need to pursue a claim with confidence.
Do You Have A Case?
IRS whistleblower actions typically require insider knowledge and documentation. However, you should speak to our firm as soon as possible. We work with experts who can help you obtain all necessary information and will counsel you through every stage of the process.
Examples of common IRS whistleblower claims involve:
- Failure to file tax returns
- Underreporting income or overstating deductions
- Failure to pay
- Abusing offshore tax havens
- Money laundering
- Withholding federal employment taxes
Get Answers To Your Questions About Bringing A Tax Fraud Whistleblower Action
Contact our tax-reporting violations firm online to learn more about how we can help you report the wrongdoing of your employer. We are a nationwide firm and represent clients across the country. Evening and weekend appointments are available for your convenience. Call today at 414-616-3229.