WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Whistleblower Office has announced a comprehensive multi-year operating plan, marking a pivotal step in enhancing the IRS Whistleblower Program. The plan outlines key guiding principles, strategic priorities, and initiatives designed to improve enforcement of tax laws and address non-compliance.
John Hinman, Director of the IRS Whistleblower Office, noted the plan’s development included input from whistleblowers, practitioners, IRS employees, and oversight bodies. “Whistleblower information that the IRS can act on is an important component of effective tax administration as it bolsters the fair, efficient, and effective enforcement of our nation’s tax laws,” he stated.
The plan focuses on six strategic priorities, including streamlining the claim submission process, effectively utilizing whistleblower information, awarding whistleblowers promptly and fairly, safeguarding information, improving communication with whistleblowers, and supporting the IRS workforce with advanced tools and training.
Since its inception in 2007, the Whistleblower Office has played a critical role in tax enforcement, helping collect over $7 billion based on whistleblower tips. Awards totaling $1.3 billion have been paid to whistleblowers, who typically receive 15% to 30% of the proceeds collected from their information. For fiscal year 2024, the IRS distributed $123.5 million in awards, the third-highest in the program’s history, tied to $474.7 million in collections.
Individuals with timely, credible, and relevant information about non-compliance with laws enforced by the IRS are encouraged to file a Form 211, Application for Award for Original Information to be considered for an award.
The IRS emphasized the importance of whistleblowers, calling them an “invaluable deterrence” against tax non-compliance. The new operating plan underscores the agency’s commitment to leveraging whistleblower contributions and improving the fairness and efficiency of tax administration.
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