Do you know about a tax fraud? The French State might just reward you with a substantial sum at stake. Since 2016, whistleblowers can earn a nice bonus. But be careful, as it depends on providing valuable information.
Reporting a Fraudster Can Reward You Handsomely
In the battle against tax fraud, the State utilizes all possible tools. Detection software, algorithms, digital surveillance—everything is on the table! However, another effective method has made its mark in recent years: anonymous reporting.
The principle is straightforward: you inform the tax authorities about a fraud, and if it leads to money recovery, you receive a reward. This is known as the whistleblower system, established in 2016. These informants, who may be friends or former associates of fraudsters, can earn a reward based on the amounts recovered by the tax office.
But beware! To be eligible for a reward, the reported fraud must meet certain criteria: it must involve international taxation, VAT, or amounts exceeding 100,000 euros. A minor income concealment will not suffice to earn your payout.
A Profitable Scheme for the State
Regarding finance, this scheme is highly lucrative for the French State. Between 2017 and 2021, over 110 million euros were recovered thanks to these whistleblowers, with only 1.8 million euros in bonuses paid. A windfall for public finances. Currently, the reward can reach up to 15% of the recovered amounts in the case of a “significant case”.
Moreover, the anonymity of this system is a key advantage. The identity of whistleblowers is strictly protected by the National Directorate of Tax Investigations (DNEF). This provides peace of mind for those who might hesitate to report a friend or former partner.
According to a parliamentary report, the number of tips submitted to the tax authorities reportedly tripled between 2017 and 2020. With the current pressure for fighting fraud, this number may continue to rise.
