SEC and IRS programs
Securities and tax reports
The SEC and the IRS each run a program for people who report violations. Each has its own rules about what counts, how to file and what protection you have.
Securities fraud and the SEC
A tip about misstated financials, hidden losses, insider trading or a fraud on investors can be filed through a lawyer, and in many cases without your name on the form. Some tips qualify for an award if they lead to a successful action.
Tax fraud and the IRS
The IRS has its own program for reports of large underpayments of tax. It is slow, and the agency rarely tells you where a report stands. We say so at the start.
What these programs are not
They are not a way to be paid for complaining. An award, if there is one, comes from the agency and the law, not from us, and we do not predict amounts.
Three ways to report
- 01
Inside first
Some people raise it with a manager or the compliance line before going outside. We tell you how that can help and how it can hurt.
- 02
A tip to the SEC
A written report about the markets, filed by you or by us for you.
- 03
A report to the IRS
A report of tax someone else owes, filed on the IRS form made for it.
Say what the numbers did.
Leave the company out of the first note. We will ask for it on the call.
Contingency fees come from any recovery. Costs such as filing and expert fees may be separate; we explain them in writing before you sign.