Is it Really the IRS Calling

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is committed to clear communication with taxpayers, but it is important to understand the proper ways the IRS will contact you, and how to verify whether a communication you receive is genuinely from the IRS. The IRS wants you to understand how and when we contact taxpayers and help you determine whether a contact you may have received is truly from an IRS employee.

1. Most IRS Communications Are Sent by Mail

The IRS primarily uses regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to initiate contact with taxpayers. If you receive a letter from the IRS, it is typically related to:

• Tax bills: A notice about overdue payments or outstanding balances.
• Request for information: If the IRS needs more details or documents to process your return.
• Audit notifications: To inform you that your tax return is being examined.

2. When Will the IRS Call or Visit?

While the IRS mostly communicates by mail, there are specific situations where they may call or visit a taxpayer in person:

• Overdue Tax Bill: If you owe back taxes, the IRS may contact you by phone or even visit your home or business to collect payment or secure payment arrangements.
• Delinquent Returns or Employment Taxes: If you have failed to file your taxes or make employment tax payments, the IRS may contact you through these channels to resolve the issue.
• Business Audits or Criminal Investigations: The IRS may visit a business to conduct audits or as part of a criminal investigation.

3. How to Verify an IRS Communication?

It’s essential to be cautious when you receive a call or visit that claims to be from the IRS. Here are some tips for verifying the contact:

• Phone Calls: The IRS will not call you unexpectedly and demand immediate payment or threaten legal action. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the IRS directly using their official contact number found on the IRS website.
• In-Person Visits: IRS agents conducting audits or investigations will always carry official identification and provide their badge number. You can verify the agent's identity by contacting the IRS directly.
• IRS Mail: Always check that any official correspondence is sent via USPS and has the proper IRS formatting. If you receive mail that looks suspicious or contains errors, verify its authenticity by contacting the IRS.

 The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service

However, there are special circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business, such as when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, to secure a delinquent tax return or a delinquent employment tax payment, or to tour a business as part of an audit or during criminal investigations.

See Avoid scams: Know the facts on how the IRS contacts taxpayers  for more information.

irs.gov