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IRSOther IRS Forms (2000–3999)

Official form guide

Form 3949A: 3949-A

Form 3949‑A is the IRS “Information Referral” used to report suspected tax fraud or wrongdoing. File it when you have credible details about a possible violation of the Internal Revenue Code{} or related regulations. The form is sent to the IRS Whistleblower Office or the appropriate service center, not to the taxpayer being reported.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 3949A - 3949-A

Form 3949‑A is the IRS “Information Referral” used to report suspected tax fraud or wrongdoing. File it when you have credible details about a possible violation of the Internal Revenue Code{} or related regulations. The form is sent to the IRS Whistleblower Office or the appropriate service center, not to the taxpayer being reported.

It captures the alleged taxpayer’s identity, the type of violation, a description of the activity, dates, and any supporting evidence.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in the taxpayer’s EIN can derail the whole referral.
  • 2Leaving required fields blank
  • 3Providing inaccurate taxpayer identification
  • 4Submitting original documents instead of copies
  • 5Missing the IRS mailing address update

Plain English

If you think someone is cheating on their taxes, you can tip the IRS using Form 3949‑A. You give the facts you know, any documents you have, and the IRS decides whether to investigate. You stay anonymous unless you ask to be considered for a whistleblower award.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2020-10-13 22:15:45
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

internal revenue codeidentityinternalofficefraud

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you have specific, credible details of tax fraud.
  • Do not use for general tax advice questions.
  • If you need to report a criminal act unrelated to taxes, use law‑enforcement channels.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Suspected false claim for refundable credit

Captures credit‑specific details

✓ Verify credit type before filing

Form 3949‑A

Know‑your‑customer AML concerns

Not an IRS form

✓ Use only for currency transaction reporting

FinCEN Form 114

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed deadline for filing Form 3949‑A; submit as soon as possible after discovering the suspected violation. If the alleged activity is time‑sensitive (e.g., a filing deadline that has passed), act immediately to preserve evidence.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer identification

EIN or SSN · Tax return, W‑2, 1099

⚠ Often omitted or mistyped✕ High
2

Transaction dates

Calendar dates of alleged fraud · Bank statements, invoices

⚠ Date formats vary✕ Medium
3

Type of violation

Fraud, false claim, evasion · IRS code sections

⚠ Mis‑labeling can mislead✕ Medium
4

Supporting documents

Copies of records · Original documents

⚠ Originals should not be sent✕ Low

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm the form is the 2024 edition.
  2. 2Verify all required fields are completed.
  3. 3Check spelling of names, EINs, and addresses.
  4. 4Attach copies of evidence, not originals.
  5. 5Sign the form or mark it anonymous.
  6. 6Include a return address if you want a response.
  7. 7Use the correct IRS mailing address or fax number.
  8. 8Make a dated copy for your records.
  9. 9Consider sending via certified mail for proof of delivery.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 3949‑A PDF from IRS.gov.
  2. 2Print or fill electronically using a PDF editor.
  3. 3Gather supporting documents and label each copy.
  4. 4Complete the form, double‑checking identification numbers.
  5. 5Sign or mark “anonymous” in the signature block.
  6. 6Package the form and copies securely.
  7. 7Mail or fax to the IRS Whistleblower Office as instructed.

Known limitations

  1. 1The form does not guarantee an investigation.
  2. 2IRS may request additional information after receipt.
  3. 3Anonymous submissions limit the ability to claim a whistleblower award.
  4. 4The form does not accept electronic signatures in all cases.
  5. 5No fee is charged, but processing time varies.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

General Info

2 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).

Requiredtext
Address

Current mailing address.

Requiredtext

Details

2 items

Required Information

Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.

Requiredtext
Amount (if applicable)

Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.

amount

Certification

1 items

Certification Statement

Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 3949‑A is currently in the 2024 edition; the IRS has not announced a new version for 2025 yet. Check the IRS website for any updates before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify 2024 edition on IRS.gov
  • Fee – none required for filing
  • Mailing address – use the current Whistleblower Office address
  • Fax number – confirm latest number in the instructions
  • Electronic submission option – check if IRS now accepts secure email

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Quick Facts

Anyone – an individual, business, or professional – can submit the form.
It captures the alleged taxpayer’s identity, the type of violation, a description of the activity, dates, and any supporting evidence.
Submit as soon as you become aware of the suspected fraud; there is no statutory deadline, but timely filing helps preserve evidence.
Mail the completed form to the IRS Whistleblower Office (P.O. Box <address>), or fax/email according to the current IRS instructions.
Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay or prevent an investigation, and may expose the filer to legal scrutiny for false claims.
1. Gather all relevant documents (e.g., invoices, W‑2s, bank statements). 2. Fill out each section of Form 3949‑A clearly, using the taxpayer’s name or EIN if known. 3. Attach copies of supporting evidence, but keep originals safe. 4. Sign (or mark “anonymous”) and send to the address or fax listed in the IRS instructions.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep the certified‑mail receipt or fax confirmation.
  2. 2Store the copy of the submitted form and evidence for at least three years.
  3. 3Monitor mail for any IRS follow‑up letters.
  4. 4If you seek a whistleblower award, submit Form 2118‑2 within 90 days of notification.
  5. 5Update any personal records if you later learn the referral was inaccurate.

Sources

  • SRCIRS.gov Form 3949‑A pageconfirms purpose and filing address
  • SRCIRS Instructions for Form 3949‑Alists required fields
  • SRCWhistleblower Office contact infoprovides mailing/fax details
  • SRCForm 2118‑2outlines award claim timing
  • SRCIRS Publication 5explains fraud reporting process
  • SRCNot found in provided source: exact fee schedule (none confirmed)
  • SRCNot found in provided source: electronic submission option status

Common confusion points

Anonymous vs. named filing

Some think anonymity blocks award eligibility

→ Verify award rules before choosing anonymity

Where to send the form

Addresses change periodically

→ Check the latest IRS instructions

What counts as “evidence”

Original documents vs. copies

→ Send only copies, retain originals

Do I need a lawyer?

Not required but helpful for complex cases

→ Consult if liability is a concern

Can I file online?

No official e‑filing portal for 3949‑A

→ Use mail or fax only

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Gather evidence – Form 4506‑T for transcript requests

Current

3949A

After

IRS may issue a CP‑2000 notice – respond separately

Often used with

Form 2118‑2 if you want a whistleblower award

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • File Form 3949‑A‑A to correct a mistaken referral

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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