How the IRS normally contacts taxpayers
The IRS typically contacts taxpayers by mail first, via the U.S. Postal Service. In most cases, they’ll never reach out to you initially by email, text, phone call, or social media. But, there are a few exceptions.
For example, they might call you after they’ve sent an initial letter to confirm an appointment or discuss your scheduled audit. The IRS may also call or email you if you’re involved in a criminal investigation or text you if you gave them permission to do so.
Red flags of scams
If you receive a real letter from the IRS, it’ll contain certain details like the CP or LTR number and tax year.
Here are the main differences between real IRS notices and scams.
| Real IRS notice | Potential scam | |
|---|---|---|
| Notice number | CP or LTR number on the upper right corner, such as CP14 or LTR12C | No searchable notice number |
| Tax year | States a specific year, such as 2025 or 2026 | Vague language without a specific year |
| Payment method | Directs payments to IRS.gov/payments | Requests payments via gift cards, crypto, prepaid debit cards, and wire transfers |
| Dispute information | Makes it clear how to respond or dispute the request | Pressures you into paying the stated amount |
| Verification method | Lets you check it on IRS.gov or 800-829-1040 | Encourages you to use a QR code or private link |
How to verify a paper notice
Even if an IRS letter seems legitimate, it’s a good idea to verify it using these steps.
- Look up the notice number on the IRS website: Go to IRS.gov and search the notice number. If you can’t find a match, it may be a scam.
- Compare contact information: Check the phone number or website listed on the notice against the contact information on the official IRS website.
- Log into your IRS account: From there, you can review your balance, payment history, and any notices sent to you. If the letter is real, you should see it listed.
- Contact the IRS directly: If you’ve taken the steps above but are still unsure about a notice, reach out to the IRS via the phone number on their official website (800-829-1040) rather than calling a suspicious number on the notice.
What to do if you think it’s real
If you believe the IRS notice is real, follow the instructions and respond by the deadline. You can pay a balance securely on the IRS website or dispute it if you disagree. Be sure to keep a copy of your notice and any payment confirmations or correspondence you receive for your records.
What to do if it’s a scam
If you suspect the notice is a scam, don’t respond or send any money. Then, report the scam on the IRS website. You can also forward a suspicious email to phishing@irs.gov or contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 about any scam calls. Be sure to keep an eye on your credit cards, bank accounts, and credit profiles for any unusual activity.
