Legis Daily

IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act

USA119th CongressS-4639| Senate 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
Chuck Grassley

Chuck Grassley

Republican Senator

Iowa

Cosponsors (3)
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democratic)Susan M. Collins (Republican)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Finance Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation aims to significantly enhance the effectiveness and fairness of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Whistleblower Program. It introduces several key reforms designed to provide greater support and incentives for individuals who report noncompliance with federal tax laws, ultimately streamlining the award process, protecting whistleblowers, and increasing transparency. A major provision grants the Tax Court de novo review authority over whistleblower award determinations, allowing for a fresh examination of evidence and ensuring a more thorough and equitable process. Additionally, the bill exempts whistleblower awards from federal budget sequestration , guaranteeing that awarded amounts are paid in full without automatic reductions. To further protect whistleblowers, the legislation allows them to proceed anonymously before the Tax Court, unless a compelling societal interest for disclosure outweighs potential harm. It also addresses delays in award payments by mandating that interest accrues on awards if the IRS fails to issue a preliminary recommendation within 12 months of certain conditions being met. Finally, the bill requires the IRS's annual whistleblower report to include a list of the top 10 tax avoidance schemes disclosed by whistleblowers, promoting greater public awareness and accountability.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2055
IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-625
IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2023
Apr 28, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7959
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
May 21, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2055
    IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-625
    IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2023


  • April 28, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7959
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Taxation

Related Bills

  • S 119-3931: TAS Act
  • HR 119-7959: IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act

IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act

USA119th CongressS-4639| Senate 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This legislation aims to significantly enhance the effectiveness and fairness of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Whistleblower Program. It introduces several key reforms designed to provide greater support and incentives for individuals who report noncompliance with federal tax laws, ultimately streamlining the award process, protecting whistleblowers, and increasing transparency. A major provision grants the Tax Court de novo review authority over whistleblower award determinations, allowing for a fresh examination of evidence and ensuring a more thorough and equitable process. Additionally, the bill exempts whistleblower awards from federal budget sequestration , guaranteeing that awarded amounts are paid in full without automatic reductions. To further protect whistleblowers, the legislation allows them to proceed anonymously before the Tax Court, unless a compelling societal interest for disclosure outweighs potential harm. It also addresses delays in award payments by mandating that interest accrues on awards if the IRS fails to issue a preliminary recommendation within 12 months of certain conditions being met. Finally, the bill requires the IRS's annual whistleblower report to include a list of the top 10 tax avoidance schemes disclosed by whistleblowers, promoting greater public awareness and accountability.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2055
IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-625
IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2023
Apr 28, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7959
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
May 21, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2055
    IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-625
    IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2023


  • April 28, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7959
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Chuck Grassley

Chuck Grassley

Republican Senator

Iowa

Cosponsors (3)
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democratic)Susan M. Collins (Republican)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Finance Committee

Taxation

Related Bills

  • S 119-3931: TAS Act
  • HR 119-7959: IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted