Now, Birkenfeld's lawyer is formally doing something about it.

Reuters: [Birkenfeld attorney Dean] Zerbe is pressing for Birkenfeld's formal recognition under an IRSwhistle-blower program and says his client could still collect millions of dollars for his cooperation from the government.

"There is no question that Brad is the most important tax whistle-blower ever," said Zerbe, who helped write a 2006 law that boosted rewards for those giving key information in tax cases involving evasion of $2 million or more.

We agree. Treat the man properly, and don't scare future whistle-blowers away.