How to Tell If an IRS Letter Is Real

Tax scams spike every year, and a convincing letter can look official. A few checks can tell you whether to respond or report.

How the IRS actually contacts you

• Usually by mail first, through the US Postal Service.
• IRS employees may call or visit in some situations, such as an open audit or collection case, usually after sending letters.
• The IRS does not initiate contact by email, text message or social media to request personal or financial information (IRS).

Signs of a real letter

• A notice or letter number (such as CP14 or LTR 1058), usually in the top or bottom right corner
• Your correct name and partial taxpayer identification number
• A response deadline and explanation of your rights
• The notice is listed on the IRS "Understanding your IRS notice or letter" page

Red flags of a scam

• Demands for immediate payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency
• Threats of immediate arrest, deportation or license revocation
• Requests for credit card numbers by phone
• Payment to anyone other than the US Treasury
• Pressure to pay without a chance to question or appeal
• Links in emails or texts to "verify" information

How to verify

1. Log in to your IRS online account and check balances and notices.
2. Look up the notice number on IRS.gov.
3. Call the IRS using a number listed on IRS.gov, not the number on a suspicious letter.
4. If the letter claims to come from a private debt collector, note that the IRS does use certain private collection agencies for some overdue accounts, but only after notifying you in writing, and payments still go to the IRS.

If it is real

Read it carefully, respond by the deadline, and keep copies. Ignoring a real letter can lead to assessments, liens or levies. See what to do if the IRS audits you and what to do if you owe back taxes.

If it is a scam

• Do not respond, click links, or pay.
• Report phishing emails to [email protected].
• Report phone scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
• If you shared personal information, follow identity theft steps and consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IRS).

Letter sent to a wrong or old address

Update your address with the IRS using Form 8822, and ask for copies of notices you may have missed.

A tax lawyer can help respond to complex notices.

Sources

1. IRS: Understanding your IRS notice or letter
2. IRS: Tax scams and consumer alerts
3. IRS: Identity theft central