Hagens Berman represents several whistleblower actions under the IRS Whistleblower Program, and marshals its significant nationwide resources and expertise in financial fraud matters – including attorneys who are also accountants and licensed forensic accountants – to best present whistleblower matters to the IRS.

How Do I Become an IRS Whistleblower Eligible for a Reward?

It is deceptively simple—you are required only to submit a Form 211, which can be done online. However, the likelihood your complaint will receive proper attention from the IRS is significantly increased if you retain an experienced and respected law firm and submit not only an IRS Form 211 but also a substantial legal and factual analysis of the issues. This will also protect your anonymity. Find out more about how to choose your whistleblower lawyer..

Can I Be Paid an Award as a Whistleblower if I Act Improperly?

Yes, though you ought to speak with an attorney right away. One IRS whistleblower received a reward of $104 million for reporting unlawful Swiss banking activities.

What Qualifies Me for a Reward?

In short, you must follow the IRS whistleblower procedures for reporting on unpaid tax or tax fraud committed by a company or a high-earner, which ultimately results in the collection an amount in excess of $2 million by the IRS. If your information is original and provides significant assistance to the IRS in recovering money owed to it, you should qualify for a whistleblower award.

If the IRS Doesn't Pay Me, Can I Sue?

If the IRS collects an amount in excess of $2 million as a result of your properly filed complaint, and the IRS doesn’t pay you, you may file a complaint in the federal Tax Court within 30 days of the determination that you are not eligible.

How Does the IRS Decide How Large an Award to Provide to a Whistleblower?

Unless your whistleblower complaint to the IRS is based largely on public information, the law provides that you should receive between 15 to 30 percent of recovered proceeds. The IRS considers several factors determining the percentage of the whistleblower award. If you are prompt, your information is solid and you are very cooperative, your award percentage increases. If you delay reporting, are involved in the wrongdoing or put the IRS investigation at risk, your potential percentage decreases.