Issue Number: Tax Tip 2025-46
Ways to tell if the IRS is reaching out or if it’s a scammer
Identity thieves can prey on anyone, at any time. Here’s some helpful tips for taxpayers to know when it’s really the IRS or not.
Email, text and social media
The IRS doesn’t make initial contact through email or social media channels. Some common electronic scams thieves use are:
- Sending phishing emails to taxpayers
- Posing as an IRS social media account to contact taxpayers about a fake bill or refund
- Texting taxpayers about fake "tax credits" or "stimulus payments"
These messages will often direct taxpayers to click fraudulent links they claim are IRS websites or other online tools.
The IRS only sends text messages with the taxpayer’s permission and only collects the taxpayer’s cell phone number or email address if they subscribe to receive messages from the agency.
Letters and notices
A letter or notice is the first way the IRS will contact a taxpayer. There are a few ways a taxpayer can check to see if it's really the IRS:
Phone calls
IRS agents may call to confirm an appointment or discuss items for a scheduled audit, after an initial letter or notice. Taxpayers should know:
- The IRS doesn't leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages. Scammers will falsely tell victims if they do not call back, a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
- Private collection agencies contracted by the IRS may call taxpayers to collect certain outstanding inactive tax liabilities, but only after the taxpayer and their representative have received written notice.
- The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies will never ask a taxpayer to pay using any form of pre-paid card, store or online gift card. Taxpayers can review the IRS payments page at IRS.gov/payments for all legitimate ways to make a payment.
In person visits
The IRS ended most unannounced visits to taxpayers by agency revenue officers to improve overall safety for taxpayers and IRS employees.
More information
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