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IRS Whistleblower Office Releases Annual Report to Congress, Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report: IRS Whistleblower Office

The IRS Whistleblower Office has released the fiscal year (FY) 2021 annual report to Congress. In FY 2021, the Whistleblower Office made 179 award payments to whistleblowers totaling $36,144,926, including 20 awards paid under Code Sec. 7623(b). Whistleblower claim numbers assigned in FY 2021 grew by 55 percent year over year and claim closures increased by 13 percent. Additionally, this year’s report introduces the Code Sec. 7623 Payment and Claim Processing Analysis. The analysis shows Code Sec. 7623(b) awards were paid on average in 17 days.

Code Sec. 7623 Payment and Claim Processing Analysis

The average claim processing time for Code Sec. 7623(b) award payments made during FY 2021 increased by 2.9 percent from the prior year and average claim processing time for Code Sec. 7623(a) award payments increased by 10.4 percent. The report stated that it is likely average claim processing times will continue to increase as claim inventory continues to age while the Whistleblower Office awaits audits, exams, investigations, appeals, tech services, collection, statutes to expire, and whistleblower litigation.

Ten Most Common Allegations Submitted In FY 2021

The ten most common allegations submitted on Form 211, Application for Award for Original Information, for FY 2021 were:

The report also provided other information including disclosures made under Taxpayer First Act, additional information on submissions received in FY 2021, information on claim numbers issued, claims remaining open and claims that were closed in each FY from 2019 to 2021, geographic location of all whistleblowers by region, open Code Sec. 7623(b) claims as of FY 2021, and reasons for closures that occurred during FY 2021.

FL - Guidance provided on taxability of holiday decorations and lighting

The sale, rental, and associated charges for the design, installation, removal, and storage of holiday decorations and lighting are subject […]

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FL - Guidance provided on taxability of holiday decorations and lighting

IRS Provides Safe Harbor for Amounts Paid for Condoms, Notice 2024-71

The IRS has provided a safe harbor under Code Sec. 213(d) for amounts paid for condoms. Because amounts paid for condoms are […]

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IRS Provides Safe Harbor for Amounts Paid for Condoms, Notice 2024-71

IRS Warns of Charity Scams Following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, IR-2024-269

The IRS has offered some tips to taxpayers about scammers using fake charities to exploit unsuspecting donors in the aftermath […]

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IRS Warns of Charity Scams Following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, IR-2024-269

IRS Urges Taxpayers to Enroll for IP PIN Ahead of 2025 Filing Season, IR-2024-278

The IRS has encouraged taxpayers to register for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) to strengthen their defenses against tax-related […]

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IRS Urges Taxpayers to Enroll for IP PIN Ahead of 2025 Filing Season, IR-2024-278

IRS Accelerates Work on Employee Retention Credit Claims, IR-2024-263

The IRS has made significant progress on Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims, with processing underway on about 400,000 claims, worth […]

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IRS Accelerates Work on Employee Retention Credit Claims, IR-2024-263

IRS Warns Taxpayers About Scams by Offer in Compromise Mills, IR-2024-243

The IRS has issued a warning to taxpayers to be cautious of unscrupulous promoters claiming to offer help in resolving […]

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IRS Warns Taxpayers About Scams by Offer in Compromise Mills, IR-2024-243

IRS Appeals Secure Messaging Program Office Launches Corporate Group Mailbox Pilot, IR-2024-247

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals (Appeals) today launched a pilot program as part of the IRS’ ongoing transformation efforts […]

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IRS Appeals Secure Messaging Program Office Launches Corporate Group Mailbox Pilot, IR-2024-247

FL - Updated electronic address and jurisdiction database issued for determination of premiums situs

An updated electronic address and jurisdiction database is issued for the determination of Florida insurance premiums tax to the proper […]

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FL - Updated electronic address and jurisdiction database issued for determination of premiums situs

FL - Guidance provided on sales and reporting of dyed diesel fuel during hurricane helene penalty relief period

Consistent with the Hurricane Helene penalty relief announced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Florida Department of Revenue is […]

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FL - Guidance provided on sales and reporting of dyed diesel fuel during hurricane helene penalty relief period

FL - Guidance provided on change in application process for child care tax credit

Beginning October 1, 2024, taxpayers that wish to participate in the child care tax credit program must apply to the […]

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FL - Guidance provided on change in application process for child care tax credit