Whistleblower Claims Need Not Mirror Those of State’s for Payout

Allegations contained in a whistleblower suit need not precisely match those contained in the government’s settlement with a delinquent taxpayer for those suing to be entitled to share in the $15.6 million recovery, the New Mexico Supreme Court held Thursday.

Under the state’s Fraud Against Taxpayers Act, non-government entities can bring qui tam actions on behalf of the state to impose civil liability on those who file fraudulent tax claims. The qui tam litigants can be entitled to a share of the recovered revenue if it is clear the plaintiffs’ original complaint led to the government taking action, the high ...