Do IRS Agents Visit Homes or Businesses?

Understanding IRS Visits

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws in the United States. While the IRS primarily communicates through mail, there are instances where IRS agents may visit a taxpayer’s home or business. These visits are typically prompted by specific circumstances, such as:

Overdue tax bills
Unfiled tax returns
Unpaid employment taxes

IRS Revenue Officers

IRS revenue officers are field collection agents who handle high-priority delinquent accounts. They are authorized to take various actions, including:

Retrieving third-party records through summons
Contacting employers
Seizing assets (wages, accounts receivable, bank accounts, etc.)

Reasons for IRS Home or Business Visits

IRS agents may visit a taxpayer’s home or business for several reasons, including:

Collection of overdue taxes: If a taxpayer has an outstanding tax debt, an IRS agent may visit to discuss payment options and arrange for collection.
Investigation of unfiled tax returns: When a taxpayer fails to file a tax return, the IRS may send an agent to inquire about the reason and gather necessary information.
Verification of employment tax deposits: IRS agents may visit businesses to verify that employment taxes are being withheld and deposited correctly.
Enforcement of tax laws: In cases of suspected tax fraud or other violations, IRS agents may visit to gather evidence and initiate enforcement actions.

What to Do if an IRS Agent Visits

If an IRS agent visits your home or business, it’s important to remain calm and exercise your rights. Here are some steps to follow:

Request identification: Ask the agent to show their official IRS credentials, including a pocket commission and HSPD-12 card.
Decline immediate discussion: Politely inform the agent that you are not comfortable discussing tax matters at that moment.
Obtain contact information: Request the agent’s business card and contact information.
Seek professional advice: Consider consulting with a tax attorney or accountant to understand your rights and options.

IRS Impersonation Scams

Be aware that there are individuals who impersonate IRS agents to scam taxpayers. If you receive a suspicious call or visit from someone claiming to be from the IRS, follow these tips:

Verify the caller’s identity: Call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the agent’s legitimacy.
Never provide personal information: Do not disclose your Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information over the phone or email.
Report suspicious activity: If you suspect an impersonation scam, report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484.

IRS agents may visit homes or businesses under specific circumstances, such as overdue taxes, unfiled returns, or employment tax issues. While it’s important to cooperate with legitimate IRS agents, it’s equally crucial to protect yourself from impersonation scams. By understanding your rights and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can navigate IRS interactions effectively.

Why Does IRS Come To Visit At You Home/Residence

FAQ

Does IRS make house visits?

For decades, IRS ROs have visited households and businesses as part of their efforts to collect federal tax liabilities. In a major policy change, the IRS has stopped most unannounced RO visits to taxpayers to reduce public confusion and enhance overall safety measures for both taxpayers and employees.

What happens when an IRS agent comes to your house?

Absent exigent circumstances, and unless the special agent has an arrest warrant in hand, he or she cannot arrest you on the spot – unless they watch you committing a crime. Rather, the IRS Special Agent will normally evaluate the evidence and then determine whether they will refer the matter for prosecution, or not.

Is the IRS ending unannounced visits?

The IRS announced it is ending the practice of unannounced visits from its revenue officers. The policy change is due to the rise in tax scams and taxpayer confusion over verifying an IRS employee’s identity, leading to safety concerns for both taxpayers and IRS employees.