Reminder: Protect Yourself From Scammers
Understanding how the IRS communicates can help taxpayers protect themselves from scammers who pretend to be from the IRS with the goal of stealing personal information. For example, the IRS typically does not call a taxpayer, but if the IRS does call, it should not be a surprise because the agency will have sent a notice or letter first to alert the taxpayer of their intent.
As a reminder, taxpayers should always protect themselves from scammers. One of the ways they can do this is by understanding how the IRS communicates with them. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the other ways the IRS communicates with taxpayers:
- The IRS doesn’t normally initiate contact with taxpayers by email. As such, never reply to an email from someone who claims to be from the IRS because the IRS email address could be spoofed or fake. Emails from IRS employees will end in irs.gov.
- The agency does not send text messages or contact people through social media. Fraudsters will impersonate legitimate government agents and agencies on social media and try to initiate contact with taxpayers.
- When the IRS needs to contact a taxpayer, the first point of contact is normally by letter delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Taxpayers should be aware that debt relief firms send unsolicited tax debt relief offers through the mail. Fraudsters will often claim they already notified the taxpayer by U.S. mail.
- Depending on the situation, IRS employees may first call or visit with a taxpayer. In some instances, the IRS sends a letter or written notice to a taxpayer in advance, but not always. Many IRS notices are searchable on the IRS website; however, just because someone references an IRS notice in email, phone call, text, or social media, it does not mean the request is legitimate. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the office.
- IRS revenue agents or tax compliance officers may call a taxpayer or tax professional after mailing a notice to confirm an appointment or to discuss items for a scheduled audit. The IRS encourages taxpayers to review, How to Know it’s Really the IRS Calling or Knocking on Your Door: Collection, found on the IRS website.
- Private debt collectors can call taxpayers to collect certain outstanding inactive tax liabilities, but only after the taxpayer and their representative have received written notice. Private debt collection should not be confused with debt relief firms who will call, send lien notices via U.S. mail, or email taxpayers with debt relief offers. Taxpayers should contact the IRS regarding filing back taxes properly.
- IRS revenue officers and agents routinely make unannounced visits to a taxpayer’s home or place of business to discuss taxes owed delinquent tax returns, or a business falling behind on payroll tax deposits. IRS revenue officers will request payment of taxes owed by the taxpayer. However, taxpayers should remember that payment will never be requested to a source other than the U.S. Treasury.
- If the IRS visits a taxpayer, they should always ask for credentials; IRS representatives can always provide two forms of official credentials: a pocket commission and a Personal Identity Verification Credential.
