What is the best way to report someone to the IRS?

Asked by: Susan Bogisich Jr.  |  Last update: September 5, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (20 votes)

More In Forms and Instructions You can report alleged tax law violations to the IRS by filling out Form 3949-A online.

Can I report someone to the IRS anonymously?

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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What happens when you report someone for tax evasion?

The evasion must be financially significant enough to warrant the IRS opening an investigation. The IRS doesn't want you to break the law to help find a tax cheat. It can take several years to complete an investigation of tax evasion—and if there is no conviction, there is no reward.

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.

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.

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 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.

Is there a reward for turning in 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.

What should you report 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 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.

How to get someone audited?

What you'll need
  1. Individual/business name and address.
  2. Asset and income information (vehicles, property, etc.)
  3. Alleged tax violation.
  4. How you became aware of the alleged violation.
  5. Marital status.
  6. Spouse's/registered domestic partner's name.
  7. Supporting documents (if available)
  8. Your contact information (optional)

How does the IRS find out about unreported income?

The IRS receives information from third parties, such as employers and financial institutions. Using an automated system, the Automated Underreporter (AUR) function compares the information reported by third parties to the information reported on your return to identify potential discrepancies.

How do I speak to a live person through the IRS?

Or: For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long. This option works best for less complex questions.

What raises red flags with the IRS?

Another easily avoidable audit red flag is rounding or estimating dollar amounts on your tax return. Say, for instance, you round $403 of tip income to $400, $847 of student loan interest to $850, and $97 of medical expenses to $100. The IRS is going to see all those nice round numbers and think you're making them up.

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.

Can IRS agent show up unannounced?

There are limited situations where unannounced visits will occur. These limited instances include service of summonses or subpoenas; and also sensitive enforcement activities involving the seizure of assets, especially those at risk of being placed beyond the reach of the government.

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.

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 you know if the IRS is investigating you?

Signs That The IRS Might Be Investigating You
  1. IRS Agents And Auditors Have Stopped Contacting You.
  2. Your Bank Records are Being Subpoenaed.
  3. Your Previous Tax Returns are Being Audited.
  4. Disproportionate Interest in Specific Transactions.
  5. You're Contacted by The Criminal Investigation Division's Special Agent.

How do I report someone 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.

When should you not report income?

So, if your income is less than the Standard Deduction, and you don't have other income to report, you won't need to file a tax return. An example of income that you would need to report, regardless of the amount, is self-employment income.

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.