Will the IRS Call You?

Understanding how the IRS communicates with taxpayers regarding tax debt is crucial to avoid falling victim to scams and to manage any actual obligations effectively. In recent years, scams involving people impersonating IRS agents over the phone have become increasingly prevalent. Therefore, it's essential to know the accurate procedures and protocols of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How Does the IRS Typically Communicate?

The IRS generally prefers written communication. Here are the standard methods used by the IRS to reach out to taxpayers:

1. Official Letters and Notices:

   • The IRS usually initiates contact via mail. They send official letters and notices regarding your tax obligations, such as bills, audits, or requests for additional information.
   • These documents are delivered through the United States Postal Service, not email or phone.

2. In-Person Visits:

   • In rare cases, especially when conducting audits or investigations, IRS agents may visit taxpayers at home or business locations.
   • Before any in-person visit, you would typically have received written notification of the visit.

3. Authorized Debt Collection Agencies:

   • The IRS uses limited external debt collection agencies for overdue tax debts. However, even in such situations, taxpayers are notified by mail before being contacted by a third-party agency.

When Will the IRS Call You?

While it’s a widespread myth that the IRS solely uses mail, there are specific instances where phone communication might occur:

1. During Specific Situations:

   • The IRS may call or appear in person to talk about overdue taxes or an audit after several mail contacts or if a taxpayer has been assigned a specific case manager.
   • However, they will not demand immediate payment using specific methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

2. Following Up on an Inquiry:

   • If you've initiated contact with the IRS to resolve a particular matter, they may call you back to follow up. However, such calls are typically scheduled and will not come as a surprise.

3. Collection Agencies:

   • As mentioned, once authorized debt collections are assigned, these agencies might call you. You'll be informed about any such arrangements through an official IRS notice.

What the IRS Will Never Do

To protect yourself from scams, it's critical to know what the IRS will never do:

• Demand Immediate Payment: The IRS will never call you to demand immediate payment using methods like prepaid debit cards or electronic wire transfers.
• Threaten Police Involvement: They won't threaten to bring in local law enforcement to have you arrested for not paying.
• Ask for Credit/Debit Card Numbers Over the Phone: The IRS does not request personal financial information via phone calls.
• Initiate Telephonic Contact Without Written Notice: You will typically have several written communications from the IRS before any phone call takes place.

Recognizing and Avoiding IRS Phone Scams

Scammers posing as IRS agents have specific traits you can learn to identify:

• Urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to make you pay quickly and without question.
• Aggressive Tone: They might use hostile language and make threats to scare you into compliance.
• Payment Instructions: Scammers typically demand payment through unconventional methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers.
• Caller ID Spoofing: They may manipulate caller ID systems to display "IRS" and make the call appear legitimate.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify the Source: If you receive a call claiming to be from the IRS, do not give out personal information. End the call and contact the IRS directly at their official number to verify any issues.

2. Use Trusted Contact Details: Always use contact information from the official IRS website to reach out.

3. Report Scams: If you believe you've been targeted by a scam, you can report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

Table 1: Key Differences Between Legitimate IRS Calls and Scams

What to Do If You Receive an Unsolicited IRS Call

If you receive a suspicious call,

1. Do Not Engage: Initially, don't engage with the caller or share any personal information.

2. Hang Up Immediately: Politely end the call.

3. Verify Details: Contact the IRS directly using information from their official website to verify if there are any issues with your tax records.

4. Report the Call: Use the TIGTA website or IRS's dedicated phishing email to report any suspected fraudulent call.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I confirm the legitimacy of IRS communications?

Always verify the legitimacy of any IRS communications by calling them using an official number from their website. You can also visit the IRS website for additional resources on identifying scams.

Can the IRS email me about tax debts?

No, the IRS does not use email as a primary method of communication for handling tax debts. Legitimate IRS communications regarding debts will be through formal letters.

What should I do if I've fallen victim to a scam?

If you suspect you've fallen victim to an IRS scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, including TIGTA, the Federal Trade Commission, and your local law enforcement agency, to mitigate possible consequences.

Is it ever necessary to pay the IRS over the phone?

No, the IRS does not require payments over the phone. They provide various legitimate payment options through their official website or mailing programs.

Final Thoughts

Remember, understanding IRS procedures and enhancing your awareness about potential scams are your best defenses against fraud. Always err on the side of caution, verify any unexpected communications, and use official channels to address any tax-related concerns. For further information and updates on tax debt communication processes, consider visiting IRS.gov or contacting a tax professional for personalized advice.