How to Know If That IRS Message Is Real - or a Scam

Let’s be honest—no one likes to hear from the IRS. And when you do, it can be stressful enough without having to wonder whether the person contacting you is even legit. Unfortunately, scammers love to pretend to be the IRS so they can trick you into sharing personal information or sending money.

To help you stay safe, here are some simple ways to tell when it’s really the IRS—and when it’s just a scammer trying to pull a fast one.

The IRS Won’t Email, Text, or DM You First

If you get an unexpected email, text, or social media message claiming to be from the IRS, that’s a red flag.

Here are some of the tricks scammers use online:

• Phishing emails saying you owe money or are owed a refund

• Fake IRS social media accounts messaging you about “tax credits” or “stimulus payments”

• Texts with urgent language asking you to click a link to fix a “problem”

Important:The IRS will never contact you for the first time by email, text, or social media.They only send text messages if you’ve explicitly signed up to get them. If you haven’t subscribed, any text is likely a scam.

The IRS Usually Reaches Out by Mail First

Most legitimate IRS contact starts with a letter or official notice in your mailbox.

To confirm a letter is real:

✅ Log in to your secure IRS Online Account to see if the same notice appears there

✅ Compare it to examples on the IRS website

✅ Call IRS customer service directly using the phone number at IRS.gov (never a number in the letter if you’re unsure)

If you receive a collection notice from a private collection agency, be sure it has the same Taxpayer Authentication Number that appeared on your IRS Notice CP40. That’s how you can tell it’s not a fake.

What About Phone Calls?

The IRS does sometimes call taxpayers, but only after first sending a letter or notice.

Here’s what the IRS will NOT do:

• Leave threatening voicemails saying you’ll be arrested if you don’t call back

• Demand immediate payment over the phone with a prepaid debit card or gift card

• Pressure you with scare tactics

When calls are real:

• They are usually to confirm an appointment or discuss an audit you already know about

• If you have overdue taxes, a private collection agency may call—but only after you’ve been notified by mail

If you ever feel unsure, hang up and call the IRS back directly at their official number (I know this is frustrating these days with the long hold times and staffing shortages, but better to be safe than sorry!)

In-Person Visits Are Rare

In the past, IRS revenue officers sometimes showed up without notice. However, the IRS has ended most unannounced visits to protect everyone’s safety.

Today, if an IRS employee comes to your door:

• They’ll show you official credentials with a photo and a serial number

• You will usually have received letters or calls ahead of time

• They will never demand immediate payment in person

When in Doubt—Check Before You Act

Scammers are creative, but you can stay ahead of them by remembering these simple rules:

• The IRS doesn’t reach out first by email, text, or social media

• They don’t threaten arrest over the phone

• They don’t demand payment in gift cards

• You can always verify contact by logging into your IRS Online Account or calling the IRS yourself

If you’d like help verifying any IRS communication—or if you suspect a scam—our team is here to help. Reach out anytime and we would be happy to help!