What happens after you report someone to the IRS?

Asked by: Ms. Alexandrea Schmidt  |  Last update: February 19, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (66 votes)

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 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.

Will someone know if you report 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.

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.

What can you report someone to the IRS for?

Some of the types of frauds the IRS investigates include false exemptions, kickbacks, false tax documents, unreported income, organized crime, abusive tax schemes and even the underpayment of taxes.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

What happens when someone is reported 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 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.

Is it a good idea to call IRS?

It can be productive for you to call, if: You got an IRS notice (call the number on the notice). You're going to miss an IRS deadline and need to request more time (to pay off a tax balance, send information, or respond to an IRS notice). The “Where's My Refund?” tool tells you to call.

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.

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 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.

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.

How do people get caught for tax evasion?

Usually, tax evasion cases on legal-source income start with an audit of the filed tax return. In the audit, the IRS finds errors that the taxpayer knowingly and willingly committed. The error amounts are usually large and occur for several years – showing a pattern of willful evasion.

Does the IRS pay informants?

If the investigation results in a collection, 15-30% of the collected amount goes to the whistleblower. In its most recent case, the IRS paid out $74 million to three informants, one of the highest payouts in the program's history.