Both sides have signed this (Bill Ranking)
H.R. 7959 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)
6 members · Left 1 · Center 0 · Right 5 (Bill Ranking)
| Sponsor | Rep. Kelly, Mike (R-PA) (Introduced 03/17/2026) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Voting Record | Lean right · DW-NOMINATE +0.38 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking) |
| Support |
LLLCLRR support across the spectrum: 6 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once |
| Committees | Senate - Finance Committee; House - Ways and Means Committee; House - Ways and Means Committee; House - Ways and Means Committee |
| Latest Action | 04/28/2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. |
| Roll Call Votes | 1 |
| Source | view on congress.gov → |
Introduced in House (03/17/2026)
IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act
This bill modifies provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to whistleblower awards and protections.
Specifically, the bill
The bill also allows payments of the attorney fees of whistleblowers to be deducted when calculating adjusted gross income for tax purposes regardless of whether the whistleblower award was paid through the mandatory or the discretionary whistleblower award program. (Under current law, the deduction is limited to attorney fees paid in connection with mandatory awards.)
119 HR 7959 EH: IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IB 119th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 7959
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make improvements with respect to the treatment of whistleblowers, and for other purposes.
1.Short title; etc (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act. (b)Amendment of 1986 codeExcept as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (c)References to SecretaryFor purposes of this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate. (d)Table of contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; etc. Sec. 2. Standard and scope of review of whistleblower award determinations. Sec. 3. Whistleblower privacy protections. Sec. 4. Modification of IRS whistleblower report. Sec. 5. Interest on whistleblower awards. Sec. 6. Correction regarding deductions for attorney's fees.
2.Standard and scope of review of whistleblower award determinations (a)In generalParagraph (4) of section 7623(b) is amended— (1)by striking appealed to and inserting reviewed by, and (2)by adding at the end the following: Any review by the Tax Court under the preceding sentence shall be de novo and shall be based on the administrative record established at the time of the original determination and any additional newly discovered or previously unavailable evidence.. (b)Conforming amendmentThe heading of paragraph (4) of section 7623(b) is amended by striking Appeal and inserting Review. (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to petitions under section 7623(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act.
3.Whistleblower privacy protections (a)In generalParagraph (6) of section 7623(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D)Whistleblower anonymity before the Tax CourtNotwithstanding sections 7458 and 7461, a whistleblower may elect to proceed anonymously before the Tax Court for all proceedings under this section absent a finding by the Tax Court that a societal interest exists for disclosing the whistleblower’s identity which exceeds the potential harm disclosure could cause to the whistleblower.. (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to petitions under section 7623(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act.
4.Modification of IRS whistleblower report (a)In generalSection 406(c) of division A of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 is amended by striking such use, in paragraph (1) and inserting such use (which shall include a list and descriptions of the top tax avoidance schemes, not to exceed 10, disclosed by whistleblowers during such year),. (b)Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to reports for fiscal years ending after the enactment of this Act.
5.Interest on whistleblower awards (a)In generalSection 7623(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7)Interest (A)In generalIf the Secretary has not provided notice to an individual described in paragraph (1) of a preliminary award recommendation before the applicable date, the amount of any award under this subsection shall include interest from such date at the overpayment rate under section 6621(a). (B)ExceptionNo interest shall accrue under this paragraph after the date on which the Secretary provides notice to the individual of a preliminary award recommendation. (C)Applicable dateFor purposes of this paragraph, the applicable date is the date that is 12 months after the first date on which— (i)all of the proceeds resulting from actions subject to the award recommendation have been collected, and (ii)either— (I)the statutory period for filing a claim or suit for refund has expired, or (II)the taxpayers subject to the actions and the Secretary have agreed with finality to the tax or other liabilities for the periods at issue, and either the taxpayers have waived the right to file a claim or suit for refund or any claim or suit for refund has been resolved.. (b)Effective date (1)In generalThe amendments made by this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2)Special ruleIf, as of the date described in paragraph (1)— (A)the Secretary has not provided notice to the individual of a preliminary award recommendation as described in paragraph (7)(A) of section 7623(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this Act, and (B)the applicable date provided in paragraph (7)(C) of such section, as so added, has passed,the applicable date for purposes of such paragraph (7)(C) is the date that is 12 months after the date described in paragraph (1).
6.Correction regarding deductions for attorney's fees (a)In generalSection 62(a)(21)(A)(i) is amended by striking 7623(b) and inserting 7623. (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act. Passed the House of Representatives April 27, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
119 HR 7959 IH: IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-17 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7959IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 17, 2026Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania (for himself and Mr. Thompson of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make improvements with respect to the treatment of whistleblowers, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; etc (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act. (b) Amendment of 1986 code Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (c) References to Secretary For purposes of this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate. (d) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; etc. Sec. 2. Standard and scope of review of whistleblower award determinations. Sec. 3. Whistleblower privacy protections. Sec. 4. Modification of IRS whistleblower report. Sec. 5. Interest on whistleblower awards. Sec. 6. Correction regarding deductions for attorney’s fees. 2. Standard and scope of review of whistleblower award determinations (a) In general Paragraph (4) of section 7623(b) is amended— (1) by striking appealed to and inserting reviewed by, and (2) by adding at the end the following: Any review by the Tax Court under the preceding sentence shall be de novo and shall be based on the administrative record established at the time of the original determination and any additional newly discovered or previously unavailable evidence.. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of paragraph (4) of section 7623(b) is amended by striking Appeal and inserting Review. (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to petitions under section 7623(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act. 3. Whistleblower privacy protections (a) In general Paragraph (6) of section 7623(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Whistleblower anonymity before the Tax Court Notwithstanding sections 7458 and 7461, a whistleblower shall proceed anonymously before the Tax Court for all proceedings under this section absent a finding by the Tax Court that a societal interest exists for disclosing the whistleblower’s identity which exceeds the potential harm disclosure could cause to the whistleblower. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to petitions filed with the Tax Court which are pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act. 4. Modification of IRS whistleblower report (a) In general Section 406(c) of division A of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 is amended by striking such use, in paragraph (1) and inserting such use (which shall include a list and descriptions of the top tax avoidance schemes, not to exceed 10, disclosed by whistleblowers during such year),. (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to reports for fiscal years ending after the enactment of this Act. 5. Interest on whistleblower awards (a) In general Section 7623(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) Interest (A) In general If the Secretary has not provided notice to an individual described in paragraph (1) of a preliminary award recommendation before the applicable date, the amount of any award under this subsection shall include interest from such date at the overpayment rate under section 6621(a). (B) Exception No interest shall accrue under this paragraph after the date on which the Secretary provides notice to the individual of a preliminary award recommendation. (C) Applicable date For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable date is the date that is 12 months after the first date on which— (i) all of the proceeds resulting from actions subject to the award recommendation have been collected, and (ii) either— (I) the statutory period for filing a claim or suit for refund has expired, or (II) the taxpayers subject to the actions and the Secretary have agreed with finality to the tax or other liabilities for the periods at issue, and either the taxpayers have waived the right to file a claim or suit for refund or any claim or suit for refund has been resolved. . (b) Effective date (1) In general The amendments made by this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Special rule If, as of the date described in paragraph (1)— (A) the Secretary has not provided notice to the individual of a preliminary award recommendation as described in paragraph (7)(A) of section 7623(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this Act, and (B) the applicable date provided in paragraph (7)(C) of such section, as so added, has passed, the applicable date for purposes of such paragraph (7)(C) is the date that is 12 months after the date described in paragraph (1). 6. Correction regarding deductions for attorney's fees (a) In general Section 62(a)(21)(A)(i) is amended by striking 7623(b) and inserting 7623. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this subsection shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act.
119 HR 7959 : IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-04-28 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7959IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 28, 2026Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceAN ACTTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make improvements with respect to the treatment of whistleblowers, and for other purposes.1.Short title; etc(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act.(b)Amendment of 1986 codeExcept as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.(c)References to SecretaryFor purposes of this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate.(d)Table of contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; etc.Sec. 2. Standard and scope of review of whistleblower award determinations.Sec. 3. Whistleblower privacy protections.Sec. 4. Modification of IRS whistleblower report.Sec. 5. Interest on whistleblower awards.Sec. 6. Correction regarding deductions for attorney's fees.2.Standard and scope of review of whistleblower award determinations(a)In generalParagraph (4) of section 7623(b) is amended—(1)by striking appealed to and inserting reviewed by, and(2)by adding at the end the following: Any review by the Tax Court under the preceding sentence shall be de novo and shall be based on the administrative record established at the time of the original determination and any additional newly discovered or previously unavailable evidence..(b)Conforming amendmentThe heading of paragraph (4) of section 7623(b) is amended by striking Appeal and inserting Review.(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to petitions under section 7623(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act.3.Whistleblower privacy protections(a)In generalParagraph (6) of section 7623(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(D)Whistleblower anonymity before the Tax CourtNotwithstanding sections 7458 and 7461, a whistleblower may elect to proceed anonymously before the Tax Court for all proceedings under this section absent a finding by the Tax Court that a societal interest exists for disclosing the whistleblower’s identity which exceeds the potential harm disclosure could cause to the whistleblower..(b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to petitions under section 7623(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act.4.Modification of IRS whistleblower report(a)In generalSection 406(c) of division A of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 is amended by striking such use, in paragraph (1) and inserting such use (which shall include a list and descriptions of the top tax avoidance schemes, not to exceed 10, disclosed by whistleblowers during such year),.(b)Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to reports for fiscal years ending after the enactment of this Act.5.Interest on whistleblower awards(a)In generalSection 7623(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(7)Interest(A)In generalIf the Secretary has not provided notice to an individual described in paragraph (1) of a preliminary award recommendation before the applicable date, the amount of any award under this subsection shall include interest from such date at the overpayment rate under section 6621(a).(B)ExceptionNo interest shall accrue under this paragraph after the date on which the Secretary provides notice to the individual of a preliminary award recommendation.(C)Applicable dateFor purposes of this paragraph, the applicable date is the date that is 12 months after the first date on which—(i)all of the proceeds resulting from actions subject to the award recommendation have been collected, and(ii)either—(I)the statutory period for filing a claim or suit for refund has expired, or(II)the taxpayers subject to the actions and the Secretary have agreed with finality to the tax or other liabilities for the periods at issue, and either the taxpayers have waived the right to file a claim or suit for refund or any claim or suit for refund has been resolved..(b)Effective date(1)In generalThe amendments made by this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.(2)Special ruleIf, as of the date described in paragraph (1)—(A)the Secretary has not provided notice to the individual of a preliminary award recommendation as described in paragraph (7)(A) of section 7623(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this Act, and(B)the applicable date provided in paragraph (7)(C) of such section, as so added, has passed,the applicable date for purposes of such paragraph (7)(C) is the date that is 12 months after the date described in paragraph (1).6.Correction regarding deductions for attorney's fees(a)In generalSection 62(a)(21)(A)(i) is amended by striking 7623(b) and inserting 7623.(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act.Passed the House of Representatives April 27, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
119 HR 7959 RH: IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-04-09 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 526119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7959[Report No. 119–606]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 17, 2026Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania (for himself and Mr. Thompson of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansApril 9, 2026Additional sponsors: Mrs. Miller of West Virginia, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Moran, and Mr. Smith of NebraskaApril 9, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on March 17, 2026A BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make improvements with respect to the treatment of whistleblowers, and for other purposes.1.Short title; etc(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act.(b)Amendment of 1986 codeExcept as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.(c)References to SecretaryFor purposes of this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate.(d)Table of contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; etc.Sec. 2. Standard and scope of review of whistleblower award determinations.Sec. 3. Whistleblower privacy protections.Sec. 4. Modification of IRS whistleblower report.Sec. 5. Interest on whistleblower awards.Sec. 6. Correction regarding deductions for attorney's fees.2.Standard and scope of review of whistleblower award determinations(a)In generalParagraph (4) of section 7623(b) is amended—(1)by striking appealed to and inserting reviewed by, and(2)by adding at the end the following: Any review by the Tax Court under the preceding sentence shall be de novo and shall be based on the administrative record established at the time of the original determination and any additional newly discovered or previously unavailable evidence..(b)Conforming amendmentThe heading of paragraph (4) of section 7623(b) is amended by striking Appeal and inserting Review.(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to petitions under section 7623(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act.3.Whistleblower privacy protections(a)In generalParagraph (6) of section 7623(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(D)Whistleblower anonymity before the Tax CourtNotwithstanding sections 7458 and 7461, a whistleblower may elect to proceed anonymously before the Tax Court for all proceedings under this section absent a finding by the Tax Court that a societal interest exists for disclosing the whistleblower’s identity which exceeds the potential harm disclosure could cause to the whistleblower..(b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to petitions under section 7623(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act.4.Modification of IRS whistleblower report(a)In generalSection 406(c) of division A of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 is amended by striking such use, in paragraph (1) and inserting such use (which shall include a list and descriptions of the top tax avoidance schemes, not to exceed 10, disclosed by whistleblowers during such year),.(b)Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to reports for fiscal years ending after the enactment of this Act.5.Interest on whistleblower awards(a)In generalSection 7623(b) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(7)Interest(A)In generalIf the Secretary has not provided notice to an individual described in paragraph (1) of a preliminary award recommendation before the applicable date, the amount of any award under this subsection shall include interest from such date at the overpayment rate under section 6621(a).(B)ExceptionNo interest shall accrue under this paragraph after the date on which the Secretary provides notice to the individual of a preliminary award recommendation.(C)Applicable dateFor purposes of this paragraph, the applicable date is the date that is 12 months after the first date on which—(i)all of the proceeds resulting from actions subject to the award recommendation have been collected, and(ii)either—(I)the statutory period for filing a claim or suit for refund has expired, or(II)the taxpayers subject to the actions and the Secretary have agreed with finality to the tax or other liabilities for the periods at issue, and either the taxpayers have waived the right to file a claim or suit for refund or any claim or suit for refund has been resolved..(b)Effective date(1)In generalThe amendments made by this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.(2)Special ruleIf, as of the date described in paragraph (1)—(A)the Secretary has not provided notice to the individual of a preliminary award recommendation as described in paragraph (7)(A) of section 7623(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this Act, and(B)the applicable date provided in paragraph (7)(C) of such section, as so added, has passed,the applicable date for purposes of such paragraph (7)(C) is the date that is 12 months after the date described in paragraph (1).6.Correction regarding deductions for attorney's fees(a)In generalSection 62(a)(21)(A)(i) is amended by striking 7623(b) and inserting 7623.(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act.April 9, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.
| Date | Chamber | All Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 03/17/2026 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 03/17/2026 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 03/17/2026 | House floor actions | Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. |
| 03/25/2026 | House committee actions | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held |
| 03/25/2026 | House committee actions | Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 41 - 0. |
| 04/09/2026 | Library of Congress | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-606. |
| 04/09/2026 | House floor actions | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-606. |
| 04/09/2026 | House floor actions | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 526. |
| 04/27/2026 | House floor actions | Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. |
| 04/27/2026 | House floor actions | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3104-3106) |
| 04/27/2026 | House floor actions | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7959. |
| 04/27/2026 | House floor actions | At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. |
| 04/27/2026 | House floor actions | Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3117-3118) |
| 04/27/2026 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 346 - 10 (Roll no. 138). (text: CR H3104) |
| 04/27/2026 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 346 - 10 (Roll no. 138). (text: CR H3104) |
| 04/27/2026 | House floor actions | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 04/28/2026 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. |
| Title Type | Title |
|---|---|
| Display Title | IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act |
| Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text | IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act |
| Short Title(s) as Passed House | IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act |
| Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make improvements with respect to the treatment of whistleblowers, and for other purposes. |
| Short Title(s) as Reported to House | IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act |
| Short Title(s) as Introduced | IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act |
| Official Title as Introduced | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make improvements with respect to the treatment of whistleblowers, and for other purposes. |
There are no amendments to this bill.
* = Original cosponsor
| Committee | Activity |
|---|---|
| Senate - Finance Committee | 04/28/2026 Referred To |
| House - Ways and Means Committee | 04/09/2026 Reported By |
| House - Ways and Means Committee | 03/25/2026 Markup By |
| House - Ways and Means Committee | 03/17/2026 Referred To |
Policy Area: Taxation
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