The IRS is recognizing National Whistleblower Day, observed each year on July 30th, to highlight the important role whistleblowers play in exposing tax fraud, improving tax compliance, and helping ensure fairness in the nation's tax system.
National Whistleblower Day commemorates the first whistleblower protection law, enacted in 1778, and honors individuals who report fraud and other misconduct that protects public resources.
Since the IRS Whistleblower Program was established in 2007, it has produced significant results. According to the IRS:
- More than $8 billion has been recovered through whistleblower information.
- Over $1.4 billion has been paid to eligible whistleblowers as awards.
IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano emphasized that whistleblowers play a critical role by bringing attention to tax noncompliance that might otherwise go undetected. Their information helps the IRS pursue enforcement actions and promotes fairness for taxpayers who comply with the law.
New Tools Make Reporting Easier
Over the past year, the IRS has introduced several improvements to make reporting suspected tax fraud more accessible:
- Digital Form 211: Individuals can now submit an Application for Award for Original Information electronically from a computer or mobile device.
- Online Fraud Reporting Tool: A centralized reporting system on IRS.gov provides step-by-step guidance for reporting tax fraud and uploading supporting documentation.
- Whistleblower Alerts: The IRS continues to issue alerts about emerging abusive tax schemes, helping the public recognize and report suspicious activity.
- International Collaboration: The IRS is working with tax authorities, practitioners, advocacy groups, and international whistleblower programs to strengthen global tax compliance efforts.
Who Can Submit a Whistleblower Claim?
Anyone with credible, specific, and timely information about tax noncompliance may submit a claim to the IRS. If the information leads to the successful collection of taxes, penalties, or other proceeds, the whistleblower may qualify for a financial award.
The IRS encourages individuals with reliable information about tax fraud to come forward, noting that whistleblower tips continue to be one of the agency's most valuable tools for identifying violations that might otherwise remain hidden.
For additional information about the IRS Whistleblower Office or to learn how to report suspected tax fraud, visit IRS.gov.