How to know it's really the IRS...

IRS concerns about scams and identity theft don't extend only to taxpayers. Criminals also impersonate IRS officials in efforts to take your money or gain your confidential tax information. Most of us have received or heard about bogus phone calls from these scammers, but sometimes they go the extra mile and show up at your doorstep.

The IRS will always initiate contact by mail, and only in rare circumstances they will show up unannounced at your home or business. When they do, although they may demand payment to the US Treasury, they will not do the following.

• The IRS will not demand immediate payment via prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. 
• The IRS will not demand you pay without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount.
• The IRS will not threaten to bring in law enforcement to have you arrested for failure to pay.
• The IRS will not threaten to revoke driver or business licenses, or immigration status.

These fear tactics are common among scammers trying to get immediate action from you, before you have time to think or get more information.

The IRS may show up unannounced as part of a collection effort or audit, but only after having already contacted you by mail. IRS criminal investigators may arrive unannounced while conducting an investigation, but these federal law enforcement agents will only investigate, and will not demand payment.

Don't get scammed. Have the knowledge you need so when something like this happens you know what is your next step.

For more information about this topic you can contact us, or read about it at the IRS website.