Scammers mislead you about tax refunds, credits and payments. They pressure you for money, personal, financial or employee information. IRS impersonators try to look like us.
Watch out for:
Impersonators don’t let you question or appeal the amount of tax you owe. Know your taxpayer rights.
Here’s how to know it’s really us contacting you:
Email - We email you only with your permission.
Mail - Typically, we contact you first by U.S. mail. Most IRS letters include a letter or number. To verify it’s us, search for a letter or notice. Some letters might be from IRS-assigned private debt collection agencies.
Social media - You can follow us, but we never contact you about your taxes on social media. Check with a trusted tax professional.
Text message - We only send you text messages with your permission.
Website - Our official web address is IRS.gov.
Phone call - Typically, we mail you first. We might call about an audit or to verify information.
Fax - Sometimes we send a fax to verify employment or request reported income or withholdings.
In-person visit - Generally, we notify you by mail before we visit your home or business.
How to know it’s really the IRS
How to know it's an IRS official
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