Whistleblowers

Some individuals acquire information regarding the failure of others, such as an employer, to properly report their income to the IRS. When an individual decides to come forward and share with the IRS the information he or she has about another taxpayer, such individual becomes known as a whistleblower. By statute whistleblowers may be awarded a percentage of the tax, penalty and other amounts collected as a result of the information provided to the IRS. The determination of the amount of the award is made by the IRS’s Whistleblower Office.

In the event the whistleblower disagrees with the IRS on the basis for or the amount of the award, he or she may have the award reviewed by initiating a proceeding in the United States Tax Court. Legal counsel is a must when navigating the claim filing process, considering confidentiality issues, and in determining the award amount.