The IRS 211 form is a document used by taxpayers to request a determination regarding their tax-exempt status. This form helps organizations understand their eligibility for tax exemptions under various sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Completing the IRS 211 form accurately can facilitate the review process by the IRS.
The IRS Form 211, also known as the Application for Reward for Information Related to Violations of Internal Revenue Laws, serves a crucial role in encouraging individuals to report tax fraud and other violations of tax law. This form allows whistleblowers to potentially receive a monetary reward for providing information that leads to the successful enforcement of tax laws. The IRS recognizes that insider knowledge can be invaluable in uncovering fraudulent activities that may otherwise go undetected. When submitting Form 211, individuals must provide detailed information about the suspected violation, including the nature of the fraud, the individuals or entities involved, and any supporting documentation that can substantiate their claims. Additionally, the form requires the whistleblower to disclose their contact information, although anonymity can be requested in certain situations. Understanding the intricacies of Form 211 is essential for anyone considering reporting tax fraud, as it outlines the process for submission, the criteria for reward eligibility, and the protections afforded to whistleblowers under the law. This form not only empowers citizens to take an active role in maintaining tax compliance but also highlights the government's commitment to addressing tax evasion through collaborative efforts with the public.
Form 211
Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service
OMB Number 1545-0409
Application for Award for
Date Claim received
(July 2018)
Original Information
Claim number (completed by IRS)
Section A – Information About the Person or Business You Are Reporting
1.
Is this
New submission or
Supplemental submission
2. Last 4 digits of Taxpayer Identification
If a supplemental submission, list previously assigned claim number(s)
Number(s) (e.g., SSN, ITIN, or EIN)
3.
Name of taxpayer (include aliases) and any related taxpayers who committed the violation
4. Taxpayer's address, including ZIP code
5. Taxpayer's date of birth or approximate age
6.Name and title and contact information of IRS employee to whom violation was first reported, if known
7.Alleged Violation of Tax Law (check all that apply)
Income Tax
Employment Tax
Estate & Gift Tax
Tax Exempt Bonds
Employee Plans
Governmental Entities
Exempt Organizations
Excise
Other (identify)
8.Describe the Alleged Violation. State all pertinent facts to the alleged violation. (Attach a detailed explanation and include all supporting information in your possession and describe the availability and location of any additional supporting information not in your possession.) Explain why you believe the act described constitutes a violation of the tax laws
9.Describe how you learned about and/or obtained the information that supports this claim. (Attach sheet if needed)
10.What is your relationship (current and former) to the alleged noncompliant taxpayer(s)? Check all that apply. (Attach sheet if needed)
Current Employee
Former Employee
Attorney
CPA
Relative/Family Member
Other (describe)
11.
Do you still maintain a relationship with the taxpayer
Yes
No
12.
If yes to number 11, describe your relationship with the taxpayer
13.
Are you involved with any governmental or legal proceeding involving the taxpayer
14.If yes to number 13, Explain in detail. (Attach sheet if needed)
15.Describe the amount of tax owed by the taxpayer(s). Provide a summary of the information you have that supports your claim as to the amount owed
(i.e. books, ledgers, records, receipts, tax returns, etc). (Attach sheet if needed)
16.Fill in Tax Year (TY) and Dollar Amount ($), if known
TY $TY $TY $TY $TY $
Section B – Information About Yourself
17.
Name of individual claimant
18.
Claimant's date of birth (MMDDYYYY)
19.
Last 4 digits of Claimant's SSN or ITIN
20.
Are you currently an IRS employee
21.
Are you the spouse or a dependent of an IRS employee
22.
Are you currently an IRS contractor
23.
Are you a Federal, State or Local Government employee
24.
Address of claimant, including ZIP code
25.
Telephone number (including area code)
26.
Email address
27.Declaration under Penalty of Perjury I declare that I have examined this application, all accompanying statement and supporting documentation, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and complete
Signature of Claimant
Date
Catalog Number 16571S
www.irs.gov
Form 211 (Rev. 7-2018)
Page 2
Instructions for Form 211, Application for Award for Original Information
General Information: The Whistleblower Office has responsibility for the administration of the whistleblower award program under section 7623 of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 7623 authorizes the payment of awards from the proceeds of amounts the Government collects as a result of the information provided by the whistleblower. A claimant must file a formal claim for award by completing and sending Form 211, Application for Award for Original Information, to be considered for the Whistleblower Program.
Send completed form along with any supporting information to: Internal Revenue Service Whistleblower Office - ICE 1973 N. Rulon White Blvd. M/S 4110
Ogden, UT 84404
Instructions for Completion of Form 211:
Question 1 If you have not previously submitted a Form 211 regarding the same or similar non-compliant activities, or the taxpayer(s) identified in this information have no known relationship to the taxpayer(s) identified in a previously submitted Form 211, check the box for “new submission.”
If you are providing additional information regarding the same or similar non-compliant activities, and are identifying additional non- complaint activities by the same taxpayer(s), check the box for “supplemental submission.” If you are identifying additional taxpayers involved in the same or similar tax non-compliance identified on a previously submitted Form 211, and those additional taxpayers are related to the taxpayer(s) identified on a previously submitted Form 211, check the box for “supplemental submission.” If this is supplemental information, list previously assigned claim number(s).
Questions 2 – 5 Information about the Taxpayer – Provide the taxpayer’s name, address, taxpayer identification number – last 4 digits (if known), and the taxpayer’s date of birth or approximate age.
Question 6 If you reported the violation to an IRS employee; please provide the employee’s name, title and the date the violation was reported. If known, provide contact information.
Questions 7 - 8 Indicate the type of tax that has not been paid or the tax liability that has not been reported and describe the alleged violation. Explain why you believe the act described constitutes a violation of the tax laws. Attach all supporting documentation (for example, books and records) to substantiate the claim. If documents or supporting evidence are not in your possession, describe these documents and their location.
Questions 9 - 14 These questions ask how and when you learned of the alleged violation and what relationship, if any, you have to the taxpayer.
Questions 15 – 16 These questions are asking for an estimate of the tax owed and the years/periods that the tax applies.
Questions 17 – 26 Information about the claimant – Provide the claimant’s name, address, date of birth, SSN or ITIN (last 4 digits), email address, and telephone number.
Question 27 Information provided in connection with a claim under this provision of law must be made under an original signed Declaration under Penalty of Perjury. For joint or multiple claimants. Form 211 must be signed by each claimant.
Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice
We ask for the information on this form to carry out the internal revenue laws of the United States. Our authority to ask for this information is 26 USC 6109 and 7623. We collect this information for use in determining the correct amount of any award payable to you under 26 USC 7623. We may disclose this information as authorized by 26 USC 6103, including to the subject taxpayer(s) as needed in a tax compliance investigation and to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation. You are not required to apply for an award. However, if you apply for an award you must provide as much of the requested information as possible. Failure to provide information may delay or prevent processing your request for an award; providing false information may subject you to penalties.
You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103.
The time needed to complete this form will vary depending on individual circumstances. The estimated average time is 45 minutes. If you have comments concerning the accuracy of these time estimates or suggestions for making this form simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can email us at *[email protected] (please type "Forms Comment" on the subject line) or write to the Internal Revenue Service, Tax Forms Coordinating Committee, SE: W: CAR: MP: T: T: SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6406, Washington, DC 20224.
Send the completed Form 211 to the above Ogden address of the Whistleblower Office. Do NOT send the Form 211 to the Tax Forms Coordinating Committee.
Filling out the IRS Form 211 is an important step for individuals looking to report information regarding potential tax fraud or misconduct. Once completed, this form can help the IRS investigate and take appropriate action. Below are the steps to help you fill out the form accurately.
After submitting the form, you may want to keep a copy for your records. The IRS may contact you for further information, so be prepared to provide additional details if needed. Stay informed about the status of your report by following up with the IRS as appropriate.
What is the IRS Form 211?
The IRS Form 211 is used to report information about claims for rewards related to information provided to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding tax violations. This form allows individuals to submit tips that may lead to the recovery of unpaid taxes, which can result in a monetary reward for the informant.
Who can file Form 211?
Any individual who has knowledge of tax fraud or violations can file Form 211. This includes taxpayers, employees, or anyone who has relevant information that could assist the IRS in its investigations.
What type of information should be reported on Form 211?
Form 211 should include detailed information about the tax violations, including:
Is there a deadline for submitting Form 211?
There is no specific deadline for submitting Form 211. However, it is advisable to report information as soon as possible to ensure that it is considered timely and relevant to ongoing investigations.
How does the reward system work?
The IRS may provide a reward of 15% to 30% of the amount collected as a result of the information provided. The exact percentage depends on various factors, including the significance of the information and the total amount collected. Rewards are only issued if the information leads to the recovery of taxes owed.
Will my identity be kept confidential?
Yes, the IRS takes confidentiality seriously. While it may be necessary to disclose your identity during the investigation, efforts will be made to keep your information private. However, it is important to note that complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Can I file Form 211 anonymously?
While you can file Form 211 without providing your name, doing so may limit your ability to receive a reward. The IRS prefers to have contact information to follow up on the tip and to issue any potential rewards.
What happens after I submit Form 211?
After submission, the IRS will review the information provided. If the tip leads to an investigation or recovery of taxes, the informant may be contacted for additional information. The process can take time, and updates may not be immediately available.
Can I appeal a decision regarding my reward?
If you believe that your claim for a reward has been unjustly denied, you can appeal the decision. The IRS provides a process for reviewing claims, and it is essential to follow the proper procedures outlined in the correspondence received.
Where can I obtain Form 211?
Form 211 can be obtained directly from the IRS website. It is also available at local IRS offices. Ensure that you are using the most current version of the form to avoid any processing delays.
Filling out the IRS Form 211 can be a daunting task, and many individuals make mistakes that can delay their claims or even lead to rejection. One common error is failing to provide complete and accurate information. When you leave out essential details, such as your Social Security number or contact information, it can create unnecessary complications. Always double-check your entries to ensure that everything is filled out correctly.
Another mistake is not signing the form. It may seem trivial, but a missing signature can invalidate your submission. Make sure to sign and date the form before sending it off. Additionally, some people forget to include supporting documentation. The IRS requires specific evidence to process your claim, so be sure to attach all necessary documents. This might include receipts, correspondence, or any other relevant paperwork.
Many individuals also underestimate the importance of clarity in their explanations. When detailing your claim, use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex explanations. The IRS reviewers need to understand your situation quickly and easily. If your explanation is confusing, it may lead to further inquiries or delays.
Another frequent oversight is not keeping copies of submitted forms. Always make a copy of your completed Form 211 and any accompanying documents for your records. This practice can save you time and stress in case you need to follow up or provide additional information later.
Some people also miss the deadline for submission. It's crucial to be aware of the timelines associated with your claim. Late submissions can result in denial, so mark your calendar and plan ahead. Moreover, ensuring that you send your form to the correct address is essential. Check the IRS website for the most up-to-date mailing information to avoid any misdirection.
Lastly, many individuals overlook the option to seek assistance. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a tax professional or using IRS resources. They can provide guidance and help ensure that your Form 211 is filled out correctly. Remember, taking the time to avoid these common mistakes can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
The IRS 211 form is used for reporting certain tax-related issues, particularly concerning whistleblower claims. When submitting this form, you may also need to include other documents to support your claim or provide additional information. Here’s a list of forms and documents that are often used alongside the IRS 211 form:
When preparing to submit the IRS 211 form, ensure you have all necessary documents ready. This will help streamline the process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
The IRS Form 211, also known as the Application for Reward for Original Information, is designed for individuals who provide information that leads to the recovery of taxes, penalties, or other amounts owed to the IRS. One document that shares similarities with Form 211 is the IRS Form 3949-A. This form is used to report suspected tax fraud or tax law violations. Like Form 211, it encourages individuals to come forward with information that can help the IRS enforce tax laws. Both forms aim to gather valuable information from the public to ensure compliance and accountability in the tax system.
Another document that resembles Form 211 is the IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit. This form is used by individuals who believe they are victims of identity theft related to their tax records. While Form 211 focuses on reporting information for potential rewards, Form 14039 serves as a means for taxpayers to protect themselves and report fraudulent activity. Both forms highlight the importance of citizen involvement in maintaining the integrity of the tax system.
IRS Form 8821, the Tax Information Authorization, also shares some similarities with Form 211. This form allows taxpayers to authorize someone to receive their confidential tax information. While Form 211 is about reporting information to the IRS, Form 8821 facilitates communication between the taxpayer and their authorized representative. Both documents emphasize the significance of information sharing in the tax process, albeit from different perspectives.
The IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, is another related document. This form allows taxpayers to request copies of their past tax returns. While Form 211 is focused on providing original information that could lead to rewards, Form 4506 is about accessing existing information. Both forms play a role in ensuring that accurate and relevant information is available for the IRS to perform its duties effectively.
Form 8862, the Information to Claim Earned Income Credit After Disallowance, is also noteworthy. This form is used by taxpayers who have previously been denied the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and wish to claim it again. Similar to Form 211, it involves providing information to the IRS, but with a specific focus on eligibility for tax credits. Both forms require individuals to engage with the IRS to rectify or clarify tax-related issues.
IRS Form 1040X, the Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is another document that bears similarities to Form 211. This form is used to correct errors on a previously filed tax return. While Form 211 is about reporting new information, Form 1040X allows taxpayers to update or amend existing information. Both forms are essential tools for maintaining accurate tax records and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
Finally, the IRS Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, can be compared to Form 211. This form allows taxpayers to request a payment plan if they cannot pay their tax debt in full. While Form 211 is about providing information that could lead to a reward, Form 9465 focuses on negotiating a solution for existing tax obligations. Both forms reflect the IRS's willingness to work with taxpayers to address their unique situations.
When completing the IRS Form 211, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accurate submission. Here are some dos and don'ts to consider:
The IRS 211 form is often misunderstood. Here are six common misconceptions about it, along with explanations to clarify.
When dealing with the IRS Form 211, there are several important points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process. Here are four key takeaways:
Free IRS 211 Template in PDF