What happens after someone is reported to the IRS?

Asked by: Aletha Grady  |  Last update: February 11, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (30 votes)

When someone reports you to the IRS for tax evasion, the first step that the agency takes is to evaluate the information provided by the whistleblower. The IRS has a whistleblower program that rewards individuals who provide information about tax fraud, and they take and investigate these claims seriously.

What happens if someone reports you to the IRS?

The Whistleblower Office will be responsible for assessing and analyzing incoming tips. After determining their degree of credibility, the case will be assigned to the appropriate IRS office for further investigation.

How do I turn someone over 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.

Is it worth reporting someone to the IRS?

If you think you've been scammed, had your information stolen or suspect someone isn't complying with tax law, report it. Your information can help others from falling victim.

When you report someone to the IRS is it anonymous?

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.

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

24 related questions found

How much do you get if you report 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.

Does IRS really investigate anonymous tips?

The IRS Whistleblower Office was established by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. This office is tasked with processing tips from individuals, such as whistleblowers, who have knowledge of significant tax noncompliance to provide that information to the IRS.

How much does a whistleblower get?

How much money could I receive as a whistleblower? Provided that you meet all of the program's eligibility criteria, the Commission will pay a total award amount equal to between 10% and 30% of the amount of the monetary sanctions collected in either the CFTC action or a Related Action.

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.

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 triggers an IRS criminal investigation?

The IRS may pursue criminal charges if they suspect fraudulent returns. Criminal conduct refers to any act that violates tax laws and regulations. If the IRS determines that there is enough evidence to warrant criminal action, they will refer the case to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

How to get someone audited by the IRS?

Use Form 3949-A to report alleged tax law violations by an individual, a business, or both. CAUTION: DO NOT USE Form 3949-A: o If you suspect your identity was stolen. Use Form 14039.

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.

What should be reported to the IRS?

Most income is taxable unless it's specifically exempted by law. Income can be money, property, goods or services. Even if you don't receive a form reporting income, you should report it on your tax return. Income is taxable when you receive it, even if you don't cash it or use it right away.

Will you know if the IRS is investigating you?

Receiving a subpoena for financial records is a more overt indicator of a criminal investigation. A subpoena legally compels you to provide the requested documents and is often used in the advanced stages of an investigation. This can include bank statements, tax returns, and other financial documents.

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.

What are the disadvantages of whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing can have far-reaching, negative effects on your life that you should start preparing for right away. What are the dangers of whistleblowing? You could lose your career, face public smear campaigns, and experience severe psychological trauma. Build a personal support network to mitigate these risks.

Who is an eligible whistleblower?

Eligible whistleblowers

an individual or an employee of a person that supplies services or goods to the entity (including volunteers) an individual who is an associate of the entity. a relative or dependant of any of the above, or a dependant of the spouse of any of the above.

Do police listen to anonymous tips?

Police can rely on anonymous tips if they act within Constitutional bounds. Yes. Police can act on anonymous tips if they follow the rules, laws, and procedures that have been developed in accordance with the U.S. Constitution.

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.

How long does it take the IRS to investigate a complaint?

The process of reporting someone to the IRS, from submission of complete information to the IRS until the proceeds are collected, may take several years. The IRS does not pay a whistleblower award until after the taxpayer exercises the right to administrative and judicial appeals, which can take many years to resolve.

What is the IRS 6 year rule?

6 years - If you don't report income that you should have reported, and it's more than 25% of the gross income shown on the return, or it's attributable to foreign financial assets and is more than $5,000, the time to assess tax is 6 years from the date you filed the return.

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.

How far back can they go for tax evasion?

Under Section 6531(2) of the U.S. Tax Code, the IRS has six years from the time the tax return is filed or from the last willful act that prevented the filing of a tax return from bringing a criminal tax charges. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint when, exactly, the last willful act occurred.