Legislation aimed at updating the Internal Revenue Service whistleblower program has been introduced in Congress by Mike Kelly and Mike Thompson.
The proposed IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act would make several changes to how the program operates, including adjustments to legal procedures, protections for whistleblowers, and how awards are handled.
According to information released with the bill, the IRS whistleblower program has helped the agency collect more than $7.5 billion from individuals and businesses accused of tax evasion, along with additional funds through related enforcement efforts.
The legislation includes provisions allowing new evidence in appeals before the U.S. Tax Court, establishing a presumption of anonymity for whistleblowers in court proceedings, and requiring interest payments if awards are delayed beyond one year after funds are collected.
Additional changes would address how attorney fees are treated and expand reporting requirements to Congress on the program’s performance.
The bill is supported by the National Whistleblower Center.
