IRS WBO Celebrates Contributions Leading to $7 Billion Recovery , IR-2024-199

The IRS Whistleblower Office has recognized the contributions of whistleblowers on the occasion of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, which falls on July 30. Since its inception in 2007, the office has awarded over $1.2 billion to whistleblowers, leading to the recovery of $7 billion from non-compliant taxpayers. The Whistleblower Office, under the leadership of Director John Hinman, aims to enhance its program by improving the processing of high-value information, ensuring fair and timely awards, and maintaining transparency with whistleblowers. Fiscal Year 2023 saw the office pay out $88.8 million in awards, based on the collection of $338 million in taxes and other amounts. The number of award claims increased by 44% compared to the average of the prior four years. The office has also updated Form 211 and is developing a digital submission portal expected to launch in 2025. Whistleblower information has proven to be a vital component of effective tax administration, helping to identify non-compliance and reduce the tax gap. The awards typically range between 15 and 30% of the proceeds collected due to the whistleblower’s information. National Whistleblower Appreciation Day marks the anniversary of America’s first whistleblower law, enacted on July 30, 1778.