Ahead of National Whistleblower Day on July 30th, the IRS Whistleblower Office released a statement recognizing the critical role of whistleblowers in detecting US tax fraud. The announcement comes as part of a broader recognition of whistleblower contributions across government and industry.
Since the program’s inception in 2007, the IRS Whistleblower Program has proven to be a powerful enforcement tool. According to the latest figures, whistleblower tips have led the IRS to collect more than $7.5 billion individuals and entities attempting to evade federal tax obligations. As a result, whistleblowers have received over $1.3 billion in financial awards, underscoring the tangible impact of their efforts in safeguarding public revenue.
“Whistleblowers serve as an invaluable deterrent against non-compliance with tax laws and are critical in our efforts to reduce the tax gap,” acting Whistleblower Office Director Erick Martinez said in the statement. “Their willingness to come forward helps the IRS identify fraud and enforce accountability where it might otherwise go unnoticed.”
The IRS statement coincides with increased national attention to whistleblower protection and appreciation. National Whistleblower Day, commemorated annually on July 30, honors the unanimous 1778 resolution passed by the Continental Congress encouraging individuals to report wrongdoing within government ranks. Today, whistleblowers continue to play a pivotal role in upholding integrity, transparency, and the rule of law.
Stephen Kohn, a prominent whistleblower attorney and Chairman of the Board of the National Whistleblower Center, praised the IRS for formally acknowledging the value of whistleblowers. “The IRS Whistleblower Office is demonstrating a commitment to tax whistleblowers who risk their jobs, careers, and reputations trying to make the system honest,” said Kohn. “Recognizing the importance of the Founders’ commitment to whistleblowers is an essential first step in overcoming the cultural prejudices whistleblowers face on a daily basis.”
Whistleblower advocates continue to call for broader protections and faster processing times for claims submitted through the IRS program. Nonetheless, the recognition by the IRS marks a meaningful gesture of appreciation for those who expose tax fraud and support the integrity of the nation’s tax system.
