House Passes Bill to Overhaul IRS Whistleblower Program, Aiming to Boost Financial Recoveries
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the IRS whistleblower program, which has historically recovered billions from noncompliant taxpayers. The bill, passed with a 346-10 vote, seeks to address declining financial recoveries by modifying how claims are processed, reviewed, and paid. Key provisions include allowing new evidence during appeals in the U.S. Tax Court, permitting whistleblowers to remain anonymous unless a societal interest dictates otherwise, and requiring interest on delayed whistleblower payments. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and cosponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., aims to enhance the program's efficiency and protect whistleblowers from personal and professional risks. The National Whistleblower Center and the National Taxpayers Union have endorsed the measure, which now moves to the Senate. 
