ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Exposing an organization’s misconduct or illegal activities requires courage. Employees who risk their professional careers by coming forward to report and help remedy illegal conduct are referred to as “whistleblowers.” After reporting the misconduct to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), whistleblowers often finds themselves patiently waiting for a response, but are not out of options; there are several ways a whistleblower can help expedite the investigation.
Ensuring that you have properly submitted your claim and have been issued a claim number from the Whistleblower Office (WBO) of the IRS should be first on your checklist. Claim numbers are created along with each submission, and are WBO’s direct connection between each individual who submits a claim, and the clam itself. Along with your claim, be sure to submit all relevant and helpful information for the investigation. This information should suggest a smooth pathway for the WBO to follow- who to interview and what documents are most important. A clear and concise submission will detail the organization’s misconduct and identify the cause or root of the problem, essentially providing the WBO with a fruitful starting point for the investigation and will enable the office to move quickly on your claim.
The WBO will delay investigating your claim for several reasons, many of which can be addressed and resolved by the whistleblowers themselves. Typical delays in your submission can revolve around your involvement- planning and initiating the activity. Your anticipated reward following any subsequent lawsuits and its tax classification can also delay the process. At the end of the day, whistleblower claims take time, usually several years when you factor in appeals and litigation. But recent Tax Court decisions have motivated the IRS to simply the process, recognize issues and concerns, and deal with them accordingly.
A whistleblower who is motivated and organized can avoid years of delays. Evans Law Firm, Inc. handles Qui Tan (whistleblower/false claims), consumer fraud class actions, insurance and banking fraud, consumer product liability, elder abuse, and personal injury cases. If you think that you have witnessed or are the victim of financial fraud by an insurance company, bank or individual then, contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669 for a free and confidential consultation, or email info@evanslaw.com.
