Bottom line: The IRS will mail a letter or notice before calling or emailing you. If something feels urgent, threatening or “off,” stop and verify.
Email, text & social media
The IRS does not:
- Send unexpected or unsolicited text messages to taxpayers.
- Initiate contact by email, text message or social media.
- Send messages asking for personal or financial information, especially about a refund.
Common IRS-related online scams include phishing emails, fake IRS social media accounts contacting you about a bill, grant or refund, and text messages about fake “tax credits” or “stimulus payments.” Scammers often direct you to fraudulent links posing as IRS websites.
Phone calls
After mailing you a notice, IRS agents may call to confirm an appointment or discuss a scheduled audit. Know that:
- The IRS doesn’t leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages. Calls threatening arrest if you don’t call back are scams.
- Private collection agencies working with the IRS may call about certain inactive tax debts — but only after written notice to you and your representative.
- The IRS and its agencies will never ask you to pay with pre-paid cards or gift cards. See IRS.gov/payments for legitimate payment options.
Letters & notices
A letter or notice is usually the first contact from the IRS. If you receive a suspicious one, verify it:
- Log in to your secure IRS Online Account to find a copy of the notice.
- Contact IRS customer service if you can’t find it online.
- Review the IRS guide Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter.
- Confirm private collection notices carry the same Taxpayer Authentication Number as the Notice CP40 you received from the IRS.
Warning signs of a scam
Typos
Spelling errors or incorrect grammar.
Odd links
Slightly misspelled or unusual URLs like irs.com. All IRS links go to irs.gov.
Urgency
Threatening demands to pay now, follow a link or open an attachment.
Got something suspicious? Forward it to me before you respond — I’m happy to take a look.
This article is for general information only and is not tax advice for your specific situation. Tax laws change frequently; please contact Cyndi before acting on any of this information.