How to Report Someone to the IRS

This article was co-authored by Darron Kendrick, CPA, MA. Darron Kendrick is an Adjunct Professor of Accounting and Law at the University of North Georgia. He received his Masters degree in tax law from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2012, and his CPA from the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy in 1984.

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Some American taxpayers find themselves in the uncomfortable position of witnessing another person’s tax evasion and fraud. The Internal Revenue Service welcomes whistleblowers. You can choose to report anonymously, or you can provide your name. The IRS also has a program that allows you to report tax fraud for a financial reward.

Things You Should Know Method 1 of 2:

Reporting Suspected Tax Fraud

Step 1 Gather evidence of the fraud.

Step 2 Identify the correct form to use.

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Step 3 Read the instructions.

Read the instructions. You should also download or request the instructions for any form you fill out. Read the instructions thoroughly and refer back to them as you fill out your referral form.

Step 4 Complete the form.

Step 5 Choose whether to report anonymously.

Step 6 Submit the form.

Advertisement Method 2 of 2:

Reporting Fraud for a Monetary Reward

Step 1 Check if you qualify for an award.

Step 2 Confirm your information is solid.

Step 3 Complete Form 211.

Step 4 Submit the form.

Step 5 Await the IRS decision.

Step 6 Appeal to the Tax Court.

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Expert Q&A

Can I report someone who is claiming 11 dependents to avoid taxes being withheld? Darron Kendrick, CPA, MA
Financial Advisor

Darron Kendrick is an Adjunct Professor of Accounting and Law at the University of North Georgia. He received his Masters degree in tax law from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2012, and his CPA from the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy in 1984.

Financial Advisor Expert Answer If they don't have 11 dependents you certainly could. See the reporting instructions in the article.

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If someone is selling cars and taking cash, but is not a car dealer and doesn't register the vehicles before the sales, is that fraud?

Darron Kendrick, CPA, MA
Financial Advisor

Darron Kendrick is an Adjunct Professor of Accounting and Law at the University of North Georgia. He received his Masters degree in tax law from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2012, and his CPA from the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy in 1984.

Financial Advisor Expert Answer

Could be. This may involve a violation of state regulations for auto sales. Check with your state's regulators for auto sales. Of course, the IRS would also be interested.

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I know my ex is reporting personal expenses as business expenses in a business I was previously involved with. Should I report this?

Darron Kendrick, CPA, MA
Financial Advisor

Darron Kendrick is an Adjunct Professor of Accounting and Law at the University of North Georgia. He received his Masters degree in tax law from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2012, and his CPA from the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy in 1984.

Financial Advisor Expert Answer

That would be fun, but you would to have proof. Plus, if the amounts are not material it may lead to nothing.

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You shouldn’t report suspected fraud to the IRS if you in any way participated in the fraud. The IRS will investigate and probably prosecute you as well. [9] X Research source

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