INTRODUCTION Call Nashville whistleblower attorney Timothy L. Miles today for a free and confidential case evaluation
A whistleblower is anyone who has and reports insider knowledge of illegal activities occurring in an organization. A whistleblower can be an employee, supplier, contractor, client, or any individual who becomes aware of illegal business activities. If you have knowledge of a person or company attempting to defraud the federal government, and you come forward with this information, you could be receive a whistleblower award for your courage and blowing the whistle by filing a whistleblower lawsuit and do so with the knowledge you have strong whistleblower protections against whistleblower retaliation.
If you are thinking of blowing the whistle, contact Nashville whistleblower attorney and litigation attorney Timothy L. Miles, who has valuable experience and has received numerous awards, mostly due to his high ethical standards, and hard work ethic, including most recently being named an Avvo Rated Top Lawyer 2024 by AVVO, Top 25 Class action lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association (2023-present), a Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association (2017-present) and has maintained an AV rating from Martindale-Hubble since 2014 (2014-present), was named a 2023 Top Rated Litigator (2019-present) and 2023 Top Rated Lawyer (2019-present) and 2023 Elite Lawyer of the South by Martindale-Hubble (2019-present), and was a recipient of the Avvo Client’s Choice Award in 2021, in 2022 was featured in the Top 100 Lawyers Magazine (2022) and received the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019–2021). Contact a Nashville whistleblower attorney today, located conveniently in Brentwood, TN a suburb of Nashville. (855) 846–6529 or [email protected]. Read on to learn the answers to eight frequently asked questions about whistleblowing. Can I qualify for a whistleblower reward?
In order to be eligible for an award, a whistleblower must willingly furnish the government with reliable, prompt, and unique data that contributes to the triumph of an enforcement action. The amount that a whistleblower receives is determined by the penalties collected in said action.
Furthermore, the information provided must be fresh and original. If two individuals provide the government or regulatory agency with identical information, the person who disclosed it first would qualify for a reward, as this is considered "original" information. Both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens are qualified for rewards if the violation being reported by the whistleblower involves U.S. government contracts, securities, commodities, tax evasion, or currency, such as in cases of money laundering or foreign bribery. What is the Dodd-Frank Act?
The Dodd-Frank Act, passed by Congress in 2010 as a response to the financial crisis of 2008, is a significant reform bill that focuses on Wall Street. One of its key provisions is the inclusion of whistleblower protections and rewards for individuals who expose corporate wrongdoing. By leveraging the knowledge of insiders who have direct experience with financial fraud, this legislation has transformed the way white-collar crimes are enforced.
Under the Dodd-Frank Act, whistleblower programs were established at both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). These programs ensure that qualified whistleblowers are entitled to receive a percentage (ranging from 10% to 30%) of the funds collected by the government as a result of their disclosures. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act extends anti-retaliation safeguards, such as confidentiality, to whistleblowers who report their concerns to the SEC and CFTC. It explicitly prohibits employers from retaliating against whistleblowers by engaging in actions such as termination, threats, demotion, suspension, harassment, or any other form of discrimination. Can an SEC whistleblower report anonymously?
If someone engages the services of an attorney practicing in SEC whistleblowing, they have the option to anonymously report information to the SEC. The attorney can submit a disclosure to the SEC on behalf of the whistleblower, ensuring their identity remains protected. Even if a whistleblower chooses not to remain anonymous, the SEC is legally obligated to maintain their confidentiality. The SEC does not reveal any identifying details about whistleblowers, even when announcing awards. For more information, contact Nashville Whistleblower attorney Timothy L. Miles for a free case evaluation.
What is an IRS Whistleblower?
An individual who reports violations of the IRS tax code, both criminal and non-criminal, is known as an IRS whistleblower. These violations can range from tax evasion through offshore banking, shell accounts, money laundering, and false reporting to the underpayment of taxes. While many IRS whistleblowers are motivated by doing what is right, there are also rewards available for those who qualify.
To become eligible for rewards and file a whistleblower claim with the IRS, individuals must complete and sign a claim form (IRS Form 211) under oath. Whistleblowers who provide specific and credible information in their claims can receive a reward ranging from 15 to 30 percent of the sanctions collected by the IRS. Since the introduction of the IRS Whistleblower Reward Program, over $1 billion has been awarded to whistleblowers by the IRS. Before filing a claim, it is important for IRS whistleblowers to be aware of their rights and protections. It should be noted that confidentiality and protection are not guaranteed if a whistleblower decides to involve the media. Therefore, we strongly recommend that all U.S. and foreign IRS whistleblowers seek assistance from a reputable whistleblower attorney who can help ensure their identity is protected, handle the claims process, and provide guidance throughout. How do I report someone to the IRS?
Claimants are required to submit an IRS Form 211 in order to report an individual to the IRS. This form should contain credible and specific evidence of a particular fraud or scheme, as well as any instances of underpayment of taxes. It is important to include as much information as possible on the form to ensure that the evidence provided is considered during the award determination stage of the process.
Additionally, the form may include supplementary documents that can assist the IRS in their investigation of a specific fraud or situation. If whistleblowers do not have access to certain evidence, they can still provide details about the location of a specific incriminating document in their claim. However, it is crucial to provide specific and detailed information to avoid the risk of the IRS rejecting the case. Given the intricate nature of reporting someone to the IRS and applying for rewards, we recommend that whistleblowers seek legal guidance from a reputable whistleblower attorney. Many of these attorneys offer a free case evaluation to determine eligibility for financial rewards and provide an overview of your rights as an IRS whistleblower. What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?
Enacted by the United States Congress in 1977, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a legislation that aims to combat corruption by prohibiting the offering or giving of anything of value to foreign government officials in order to gain a competitive advantage in business. The primary objective of this Act is to eradicate corruption, establish a level playing field for honest enterprises, and uphold public trust in the integrity of the marketplace.
Furthermore, the FCPA's accounting provisions impose obligations on publicly traded companies to implement and maintain proper bookkeeping, accounting, internal controls, and compliance procedures that are adequate for identifying and preventing potential FCPA violations. Violations of the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA can result in criminal penalties, including fines of up to $2,000,000 for corporations and other business entities, as well as fines of up to $100,000 for individuals such as officers, directors, stockholders, employees, and agents associated with such entities. In addition to the aforementioned penalties, whistleblowers who disclose violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act can also be eligible for monetary rewards under the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. Reports of FCPA violations are submitted to the SEC Whistleblower Office. Given its complexity, matters pertaining to foreign bribery are highly intricate, and we strongly encourage individuals with information on such activities to come forward and report them. What is covered under the IRS tax whistleblower reward program?
The IRS tax whistleblower reward program encompasses various types of violations, including the non-criminal underpayment of taxes. The program primarily covers fraud-related violations, such as tax evasion, offshore banking, shell accounts, money laundering, pyramid schemes, and other forms of financial fraud.
Additionally, the IRS tax whistleblower reward program extends to violations falling under the jurisdiction of the IRS criminal division, as well as violations of the requirements outlined in any IRS-mandated forms for taxpayers or banks. Whistleblowers who provide specific and credible information may qualify for a reward ranging from 15 to 30 percent of the sanctions collected by the IRS. Due to the intricate nature of the IRS tax code, individuals who believe they have a case should seek guidance from an experienced IRS whistleblower attorney. This will help them gain a comprehensive understanding of the violations covered under the program. It is also crucial for whistleblowers to familiarize themselves with their rights and be fully prepared to collaborate with their attorney throughout the filing process until the reward determination is made. What Is Qui Tam?
The qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act empower individuals to initiate lawsuits on behalf of the federal government if they have knowledge of an individual or company defrauding the government.
Common types of fraud that are often reported include kickbacks, overbilling, supplying faulty goods, making false statements on customs forms, and failing to pay money owed to the U.S. government. Despite efforts to combat these fraudulent activities, perpetrators continue to devise new and cunning methods to deceive the government, resulting in billions of dollars in losses for taxpayers every year. Qui tam whistleblowers may be entitled to receive a percentage between 15 and 30 of the government's recovered funds, if any recovery is made. There are no restrictions on the amount that can be awarded. The extent and quality of information provided to the government play a crucial role in determining the magnitude of the punishment and, consequently, the size of the reward. Since 1986, whistleblower rewards have amounted to approximately $7.3 billion, with the figure steadily increasing each year as more courageous individuals step forward. Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers have the option to file a qui tam lawsuit under seal. This means that their identity is known only to the court and the U.S. government while the case is under investigation. If You Are Thinking of Blowing the Whistle, Contact Nashville Whistleblower Attorney Timothy L. Miles Today
If you have knowledge of fraud against or by the federal government, contact Nashville whistleblower attorney Timothy L. Miles who can guide you through the whistleblower process and explain your whistleblower protections. The consultation is free and confidential. Just complete the form below to get started or call (855) Tim-M-Law. Ask a Nashville whistleblower attorney, you could be entitled to a significant whistleblower award.
Please also visit our Resources center which provides a wealth of information on whistleblower lawsuits, among others. Call today and see what a Nashville whistleblower attorney can do for you.
The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center 300 Centerview Dr., #247 Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone: (855) 846–6529 Email: [email protected] Nashville whistleblower attorney Timothy L. MilesNashville attorney Timothy L. Miles is a nationally recognized shareholder rights attorney raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Miles has dedicated his career to representing shareholders, employees, and consumers in complex class-action litigation. Whether serving as lead, co-lead, or liaison counsel, Mr. Miles has helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars for defrauded investors, shaped precedent-setting decisions, and delivered real corporate governance reforms. Judges and peers have repeatedly recognized Mr. Miles’ relentless advocacy for the underdog, as well as his unbendable ethical standards. Mr. Miles was recently selected by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM as a 2022 Top Ranked Lawyer, 2022 Top Rated Litigator. and a 2022 Elite Lawyer of the South. Mr. Miles also maintains the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating for both legal ability and ethics. Mr. Miles is a member of the prestigious Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers Association,Class Action: Class Action: Top National Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association (2023), a superb rated attorney by Avvo, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019) and recognized as a Distinguished Lawyer, Recognizing Excellence in Securities Law, by Lawyers of Distinction (2019); a Top Rated Litigator by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM (2019-2022); America’s Most Honored Lawyers 2020 – Top 1% by America’s Most Honored (2020-2022). Mr. Miles has published over sixty articles on various issues of the law, including class actions, whistleblower cases, products liability, civil procedure, derivative actions, corporate takeover litigation, corporate formation, mass torts, dangerous drugs, and more. Please visit our website or call for free anytime. Comments are closed.
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