The Tax Fraud Blog – Qui Tam Attorneys

The IRS has released its 2010 Annual Report, discussing, among other things, award payments to whistleblowers. In its Report, the IRS explains that whistleblowers who are waiting for an award must be patient–very patient:

The IRS cannot make an award determination until the underlying taxpayer matter is completed, including any administrative or judicial appeals the taxpayer may choose to pursue. Whistleblowers are advised that this process may take five to seven years, and longer when there are protracted appeals or collection actions.”

Waiting five to seven years is frustrating for whistleblowers who have turned over evidence to the IRS for use in prosecuting a tax fraud case. But the IRS, through its Report, has made clear that a whistleblower will not receive an award unless the IRS collects the monies it is owed.