Does the IRS Call You?

Does the IRS Call You? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the United States government agency responsible for tax collection and tax law enforcement. One common question among taxpayers is whether the IRS ever calls individuals directly. This article explores the circumstances under which the IRS might call you, how to recognize legitimate IRS contact, and how to protect yourself from potential scams.

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Does the IRS Call You?

U.S. Postal Service regular mail is the most common method of contact used by the IRS. IRS behavior is predictable. You will never receive a call from the IRS asking for personal information, like your Social Security number, credit card number, or bank routing number, etc.

Recognizing Legitimate IRS Contact

To protect yourself from scams, it’s crucial to recognize legitimate IRS contact methods. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Initial Contact: The IRS generally initiates contact through mail. You should receive several notices before any call.
Payments: The IRS will never demand immediate payment using specific methods like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.
Personal Information: The IRS will not ask for personal information such as credit card numbers or bank account details over the phone.
Caller Identification: If an IRS agent does call, they will provide their name, badge number, and a call-back number. You can verify their identity by calling the IRS directly using numbers listed on the IRS website.

How to Protect Yourself from IRS Phone Scams

IRS phone scams are a common problem, with scammers often pretending to be IRS agents to steal money or personal information. Here are steps to protect yourself:

Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you are sure of the caller’s identity.
Verify the Call: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, ask for their name, badge number, and a callback number. Verify these details by calling the IRS directly.
Be Wary of Threats: The IRS will not threaten to arrest you or revoke your driver’s license over the phone. If you receive such threats, it’s a scam.
Report Suspicious Calls: Report any suspicious IRS phone calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or use the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting web page.

Conclusion

While the IRS can call you, they will typically send several notices by mail first. It’s crucial to understand how the IRS operates to avoid falling victim to scams. Always verify the identity of the caller and remember that the IRS will not demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten you with arrest. Stay informed and protect yourself from potential scams.