Whistleblower Office Releases New Expectations for Timely Awards

The IRS Whistleblower Office pays money to people who blow the whistle on persons who fail to pay the tax that they owe. If the IRS uses information provided by the whistleblower, it can award the whistleblower up to 30 percent of the additional tax, penalty and other amounts it collects.  Over the last three fiscal years, the IRS has paid out more than $186 million in awards, on collection of more than $1 billion (19%) based on whistleblower information.  On Friday, August 8, 2014 we posted "Get Your Whistles Ready - IRS Issues Final Regs. on How To Get Your Reward!"regarding that the IRS has issued final regs that provide comprehensive guidance for IRS' Code Sec. 7623 award program (i.e., whistle blower awards). Now on August 20, 2014 the Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement Memorandum stating that a review of operating guidelines for the Internal Revenue Service's Whistleblower Office has resulted in newly outlined expectations for timely action on whistle-blower submissions.  Among the expectations is that whistle-blowers will be notified of an award decision within 90 days of the date that collected proceeds are finally determined. The objective of the review was to improve the timeliness and quality of decisions as the Service evaluates and acts on whistleblower information. Business Performance Review (BPR) reports will include summary data on the following performance goals, and specific explanation of the facts and circumstances for cases that exceed the target by more than 60 days: Whistleblower Office -claims received should be initially evaluated by the Whistleblower Office within 90 days.  Operating Divisions and Criminal Investigation -review by subject matter experts or their designee. as applicable to case type, should be completed within 90 days of receipt.  Whistleblower Office -whistleblowers should be notified of an award decision within 90 days of when collected proceeds can be finally determined. The Office of Chief Counsel has established controls and reporting requirements for its risk analysis opinions. BPR reports should include data on cases for which a risk analysis has been requested but not received for more than 30 days. Chief Counsel has concurred in making this area a priority.  Want a Reward of Between 15- 30% of Underpaid IRS Tax Liabilities for Blowing the Whistle on a Tax Cheat? ______________ Contact the Tax Lawyers at Marini & Associates, P.A. for a FREE Tax Consultation at: www.TaxAid.us or www.TaxLaw.ms or Toll Free at 888-8TaxAid (888 882-9243).    Sources: Commissioner Koskinen Statement regarding Whistleblower Program dated August 20, 2014     Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement Memorandum dated August 20, 2014

Want a Reward of Between 15- 30%  of Underpaid IRS Tax Liabilities for Blowing the Whistle on a Tax Cheat?