What to Expect If the IRS Contacts You

The three letter word you never want to see coming "IRS". In the tax world, we see it often. Getting a notice from the IRS can feel alarming, when you're not used to dealing with them on a day to day.

But knowing what a real IRS contact looks like takes a lot of the fear out of it. There are a lot of scams out there to be aware of. Non-profits like Stop Elderly Scams do a great job at providing information about IRS fraud protection.

Here's what you need to know if the IRS reaches out to you.

The first contact is almost always by mail. In nearly every situation, we'd say 90%, the IRS initiates contact through a letter sent by the U.S. Postal Service, not a phone call, text message, or email. If you get a phone call or email claiming to be the IRS before you've received anything in writing, be skeptical. You can read the IRS's own guidance on how it contacts taxpayers for the full breakdown.

Scammers count on people not knowing this. They also count on people to be less tech saavy. Is it really that bad out there? Well, the IRS identified more than 640,000 fraudulent returns attempting to claim $3.1 billion in refunds in a single year. That's the scale scammers operate at, and it's exactly why they lean on fear and urgency to catch people off guard. It's not just age or ability to spot AI anymore.

What a legitimate IRS letter usually covers:

• A balance due on your account

• A question about your return

• Verification of your identity

• Information about an audit or a delinquent return

  
  

What the IRS will never do:

• Demand immediate payment over the phone

• Ask for a specific payment method like gift cards or wire transfers

• Threaten arrest or immediate legal action in a first contact

• Ask for sensitive financial details through email or text

If you receive a letter, read it carefully, note the deadline, and don't ignore it. Ignoring IRS mail almost always makes the situation worse and can limit your options for resolving it.

If you're unsure whether a contact is real, don't respond directly. The Tax Space can help you understand what the IRS is asking for and can help build a plan to solve It. You are never too late but the sooner the better is helpful. Reminder that blogs are for educational and/or entertainment purposes only. This is not legal advice. By reading this you are accepting the terms and will contact the appropriate people for information based on your case and needs.