8/24/2021
Understanding how the IRS communicates can help you protect yourself from scammers pretending to be from the IRS with the goal of stealing personal information.
Here are some facts about how the IRS communicates:
The IRS doesn't normally initiate contact with taxpayers by email. Do not reply to an email from someone claiming to be with the IRS, because the IRS email address could be spoofed or fake. Emails from IRS employees end in irs.gov.
The IRS does not send text messages or contact people through social media. Scammers impersonate legitimate government agents and agencies and try to initiate contact with people on social media.
When the IRS needs to contact someone, the first contact is normally a letter delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Debt relief firms may send unsolicited tax debt relief offers through the mail, and scammers often claim that they already notified you by U.S. mail.
Depending on the situation, IRS employees might call or visit with people first. They sometimes, but not always, send a letter or written notice in advance. You can search IRS notices by visiting Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter, but not all IRS notices are searchable there. It's imperative to remain cautious and remember that just because someone references an IRS notice in an email, phone call, text, or social media doesn't mean it's legitimate.
IRS revenue agents or tax compliance officers may call people or tax professionals after mailing a notice to confirm an appointment or discuss items for a scheduled audit. Review How to Know it’s Really the IRS Calling or Knocking on Your Door: Collection.
Private debt collectors can call people for the collection of certain outstanding inactive tax liabilities, but only after you and/or your 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 people with debt relief offers. You should contact the IRS regarding filing back taxes properly.
IRS revenue officers and agents routinely make unannounced visits to people's homes 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, but remember that payment will never be requested to be paid to a source other than the U.S. Treasury.
Always ask for credentials when visited by someone from the IRS: IRS representatives can always provide two forms of official credentials: a pocket commission, and a Personal Identity Verification Credential.
Resources: IRS Taxpayers Bill of Rights Secure tax payment options Consumer alerts Report phishing and online scams Phone scams