Do IRS Officers Call You? Uncover the Truth
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for enforcing the nation’s tax laws. As part of their duties, IRS officers may need to contact taxpayers for various reasons. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the proper procedures the IRS follows to avoid falling prey to scams and fraudulent activities.
IRS Contact Methods
The IRS primarily initiates contact through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, there are certain circumstances where an IRS officer may call or visit a taxpayer’s home or business. These instances typically involve:
- Overdue tax bills
- Delinquent (unfiled) tax returns
- Unpaid employment tax deposits
- Collection investigations
- Audits
- Ongoing criminal investigations
Audits
Audits are conducted by revenue agents to verify the accuracy of a taxpayer’s reported information. Audits can be conducted by mail or through an in-person interview at an IRS office, the taxpayer’s place of business, or an accountant’s office.
While IRS employees conducting audits may call taxpayers, they will always attempt to notify them by mail first. After sending an official notification, an auditor or tax examiner may call to discuss specific items related to the audit.
Collection
Revenue officers handle cases involving unpaid taxes or delinquent tax returns. They may contact taxpayers through letters (notices) or phone calls. Revenue officers are responsible for educating taxpayers about their tax obligations and the consequences of non-compliance. They also ensure that taxpayers understand their rights and responsibilities.
Unannounced Visits
In certain limited situations, IRS officers may make unannounced visits. These include:
- Serving summonses or subpoenas
- Conducting sensitive enforcement activities, such as seizing assets at risk of being concealed or transferred
IRS Identification
IRS officers carry two forms of official identification:
- IRS-issued credentials (pocket commission)
- HSPD-12 card (government-wide standard ID for federal employees)
Both forms of identification have serial numbers and photos of the employee. Taxpayers can request to see both forms of identification for verification.
IRS Scams
It’s important to be aware of IRS impersonation scams. Scammers often use aggressive tactics to intimidate and deceive taxpayers into paying fabricated tax bills. Common scam tactics include:
- Demanding payment using prepaid debit cards or gift cards
- Contacting taxpayers via text messages or social media
- Threatening arrest or deportation for unpaid taxes
- Impersonating local police, immigration officers, or other law enforcement officials
Reporting Scams
Taxpayers can report IRS impersonation scams to the following entities:
- Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- IRS ([email protected])
Protecting Yourself
To protect yourself from IRS scams, remember the following:
- The IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone or through unconventional methods.
- The IRS will always provide a written notice before taking any enforcement actions.
- Never share personal or financial information over the phone or email with someone claiming to be from the IRS.
- If you receive a suspicious call or email, hang up or delete the message and report it to the appropriate authorities.
While IRS officers may call taxpayers in certain circumstances, it’s crucial to be aware of the proper procedures they follow. By understanding how the IRS communicates and the common scams to watch out for, you can protect yourself from fraudulent activities and ensure that your tax matters are handled appropriately.
Does the irs call you
FAQ
Will IRS ever contact you by phone?
How does the IRS usually contact you?
Why would the Treasury Dept call me?
Can IRS Revenue Officers contact me by phone?
Yes, IRS Revenue Officers may indeed contact you by phone, but there are important nuances to understand about this type of contact. While a phone call is not usually the first form of contact, an IRS Revenue Officer might call you as a follow-up to an initial letter.
When does the IRS call a person?
The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. However, there are circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business. These include when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, a delinquent (unfiled) tax return or has not made an employment tax deposit.
Can the IRS call you?
Technically, Yes, But It’s Rare. The IRS can call you. But most people never get a call from the IRS. There are a couple reasons why: The IRS mainly sends notices because it doesn’t have the personnel to call taxpayers. The IRS wants to combat the many IRS impersonation phone scams. The IRS will call you directly in only two instances:
How do you know if a call is from the IRS?
How to tell if a call is actually from the IRS The IRS prefers to contact tax filers by mail first, but they might call you if you haven’t responded to their letters. According to H&R Block, the agency will typically call you for two reasons: If you haven’t received any mail from the IRS prior to receiving a phone call, it might be a fake.