Is there a way to anonymously report someone to the IRS?

Asked by: Georgianna Beer Sr.  |  Last update: February 18, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (10 votes)

You can anonymously report tax shelter scams involving retirement or employee benefit plans:
  1. Email: eoclass@irs.gov.
  2. Mail: Internal Revenue Service. EP Tax Shelter Coordinator. 31 Hopkins Plaza, Room 1542. Baltimore, MD 21201.

Can I anonymously report someone to the IRS?

For information on how to report suspected tax fraud activity, if you have information about an individual or company you suspect is not complying with the tax law, and you do not want to seek an award. You can remain anonymous.

Will someone know if you reported them to the IRS?

(We never share this information with the person or business you are reporting.) This information is not required to process your report, but would be helpful if we need to contact you for any additional information. Use Form 3949-A to report alleged tax law violations by an individual, a business, or both.

What do you get for reporting someone to the IRS?

The IRS Whistleblower Office pays monetary awards to eligible individuals whose information is used by the IRS. The award percentage depends on several factors, but generally falls between 15 and 30 percent of the proceeds collected and attributable to the whistleblower's information.

Are IRS whistleblowers anonymous?

IRS whistleblowers are not eligible to file anonymously. However, the IRS protects the confidentiality of whistleblowers to the fullest extent of the law, and has been known to uphold very strict practices to safeguard information.

Former IRS Agent Explains How To Turn Someone r Report Them to the IRS and Have IRS Work The Case.

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How do I snitch to the IRS?

Use Form 3949-A, Information Referral PDF to report alleged tax law violations by an individual, a business or both. You can report alleged tax law violations to the IRS by filling out Form 3949-A online.

How to anonymously whistleblow?

You can tell your employer or a prescribed person anonymously but they may not be able to take the claim further if you have not provided all the information they need. You can give your name but request confidentiality - the person or body you tell should make every effort to protect your identity.

How much income can go unreported?

For the 2022 tax year, the gross income threshold for filing taxes varies depending on your age, filing status, and dependents. Generally, the threshold ranges between $12,550 and $28,500. If your income falls below these amounts, you may not be required to file a tax return.

What is the reward for reporting someone for tax evasion?

An award worth between 15 and 30 percent of the total proceeds that IRS collects could be paid, if the IRS moves ahead based on the information provided. Under the law, these awards will be paid when the amount identified by the whistleblower (including taxes, penalties and interest) is more than $2 million.

Is there a reward for whistleblowing?

The Commission is authorized to provide monetary awards to eligible individuals who come forward with high-quality original information that leads to an SEC enforcement action in which over $1 million in sanctions is ordered. The range for awards is between 10% and 30% of the money collected.

Does IRS always catch unreported?

The IRS will always discover when you're not reporting your income, whether it's immediate or years from now. You'll know when the IRS thinks you've made a mistake in your reporting by receiving a letter in the mail either stating that you're being audited or you owe.

What triggers an IRS investigation?

The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s, and their systems automatically compare this data to the amounts you report on your tax return. A discrepancy, such as a 1099 that isn't reported on your return, could trigger further review. So, if you receive a 1099 that isn't yours, or isn't correct, don't ignore it.

What is considered tax evasion?

Tax evasion is the illegal non-payment or under-payment of taxes, usually by deliberately making a false declaration or no declaration to tax authorities – such as by declaring less income, profits or gains than the amounts actually earned, or by overstating deductions. It entails criminal or civil legal penalties.

What is form 13909 used for?

Form 13909 is used to submit a complaint about tax-exempt organizations. The IRS uses the information that is provided to determine if there has been a violation of federal tax law.

What is the penalty for falsely claiming dependents?

Because you are technically filing your taxes under penalty of perjury, everything you claim has to be true, or you can be charged with penalty of perjury. Failing to be honest by claiming a false dependent could result in 3 years of prison and fines up to $250,000.

Does the IRS pay for snitching?

The Internal Revenue Service's whistleblower office incentivizes people to report tax evasion and other tax law violations. The IRS Whistleblower Program rewards whistleblowers by paying 15 to 30% of government recoveries that result from the whistleblower's reporting to the IRS Whistleblower Program.

Can you turn someone in for tax evasion?

You can report an individual or business to us if you think they're not complying with tax laws. For example, they might be: Claiming to be a resident of another state while residing in California. Making false claims for refunds.

What happens after someone is reported for tax evasion?

Tax evasion in California is punishable by up to one year in county jail or state prison, as well as fines of up to $20,000. The state can also require you to pay your back taxes, and it will place a lien on your property as a security until you pay taxes.

Do people get away with not filing taxes?

First, there's no such thing as “getting away” with not filing taxes.

What does the IRS know about your side hustle?

Whether someone is having fun with a hobby or running a business, if they are paid through payment apps for goods and services during the year, they may receive an IRS Form 1099-K for those transactions. These payments are taxable income and must be reported on federal tax returns.

Is anonymous reporting really anonymous?

Anonymous Reports

Reports can be made anonymously, which means you do not have to identify yourself. However, officials must follow up on all allegations of harassment and cannot guarantee that your identity will not become apparent during the process.

What happens when you file a whistleblower complaint?

What happens after I file a complaint? We will evaluate your complaint to determine whether it has sufficient merit to warrant an investigation. If we launch an investigation in response to your complaint, we will perform the investigation confidentially.

How do you whistleblow without getting caught?

When possible, meet in person or use secure communication tools (e.g., Signal, Wickr) to engage in confidential whistleblowing. Contact an organization experienced in secure whistleblower communications for further guidance.