With almost every type of scam taking over the country, it seems to be impossible to know for sure if it’s really the IRS calling or if it is someone else. You should always remember how the IRS will contact you, so you can avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Here are a few facts to know about how the IRS communicates with taxpayers.
With the advance of technology, communicating with people can often happen online. The IRS however, does not use online communication options to contact taxpayers directly. For instance, the IRS does not normally initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or try to contact you through social media.
When the IRS needs to contact you, the first type of contact you will receive from the IRS is normally by letter, delivered by the Postal Service. Scammers typically will send fake documents through the mail and in some cases, will claim they already notified a taxpayer by mail.
Depending on the taxpayer’s situation, an employee of the IRS may call or visit with a taxpayer before they receive a letter. In some instances, you will get a letter or written notice in advance of the call or meeting, but that doesn’t always happen.
If you owe a large amount in taxes, chances are you be assigned an IRS revenue agent. This agent or a tax compliance officer may call you or your tax professional after mailing a notice to confirm an appointment or to discuss items for a scheduled audit. Private debt collectors who work with the IRS can call you to collect on certain outstanding tax liabilities. Before they call you, you and your tax representatives will have received a written notice saying your tax debt is now being overseen by that certain tax agency.
You may get a visit from a revenue officer. Revenue Officers routinely make unannounced visits to a taxpayer’s home or place of business to discuss taxes owed or delinquent tax returns. During this visit, the revenue officers will request payment of taxes owed by the taxpayer. When you are visited by someone claiming to be from the IRS, always ask for credentials. IRS representatives can always provide two forms of official credentials: a pocket commission and a Personal Identity Verification Credential.
Always remember that payment for your tax debt will never be requested to a source other than the U.S. Treasury. They will never ask for you to buy some type of gift cards or iTunes card.
If the IRS is contacting you and you are not sure what the letters mean or what your first step should be, call Polston Tax first. Our team of tax attorneys are on the phone negotiating with the IRS every day. Call us today at 844-841-9857 or click below to schedule your free consultation.
