The IRS reaches you through mail first, then phone calls if you don't respond

The IRS does not call, email, or text you out of the blue about a tax problem. If you receive an unexpected call or message claiming to be from the IRS, it is a scam. The IRS always starts with a letter sent to your mailing address on file. That letter explains what the agency found, what you owe or what they need from you, and how to respond. Only if you ignore multiple letters will the IRS attempt to reach you by phone.

The letter you receive will have an official IRS letterhead, a specific notice number, and a clear important date for your response. It will never ask you to pay when ready by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Real IRS letters give you at least 30 days to respond and explain your right to dispute the finding.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS always contacts you first by mail to your address on file, never by unsolicited phone call, email, or text message.
  • A genuine IRS letter includes a notice number, specific explanation of the issue, a important date of at least 30 days, and instructions for how to respond or appeal.
  • If you ignore multiple letters, the IRS may call you, but only after you have received written notice at your address.
  • Scammers impersonate the IRS by calling or texting and demanding when ready payment; the real IRS does not operate this way.
  • If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the IRS, you can report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

What a real IRS letter looks like

An official IRS notice arrives in a white envelope with the IRS seal and your name and address printed on it. Inside, the letter is on IRS letterhead and includes your name, address, and tax identification number. At the top or near the top is a notice number — this starts with "CP" followed by numbers, such as CP2000 or CP12. This notice number tells you exactly what issue the IRS is addressing.

The letter explains what the IRS found during its review of your return. It may say the IRS received a form from your employer or bank that does not match what you reported, or that you claimed a deduction the IRS questions, or that you owe back taxes. The letter includes the tax year in question, the amount involved, and the specific line on your return that triggered the notice.

At the bottom of the letter is a important date — usually at least 30 days from the date on the letter — and clear instructions for how to respond. You may be asked to send documents, sign a form, or call a specific IRS number. The letter will also explain your right to disagree and how to request an appeal if you believe the IRS made an error.

When the IRS calls you

The IRS may call you only after you have received at least one letter and ignored it, or if you have an existing case with the agency and a revenue agent is working with you. Even then, the IRS will not call out of the blue. You will have received a letter first that explains the issue and may mention that an agent will contact you by phone.

When an IRS agent does call, they will identify themselves by name and provide a callback number. They will not demand payment over the phone or ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card information during an unsolicited call. If you are unsure whether the call is real, hang up and call the IRS main line at 1-800-829-1040 to verify that an agent is trying to reach you.

The IRS may also call if you have a payment plan in place and have missed a payment, or if you are working with a tax professional who has authorized the IRS to discuss your case by phone. In all cases, the IRS will have sent you written notice first.

How to spot an IRS scam

Scammers pose as IRS agents and use several tactics to trick people into sending money or revealing personal information. The most common red flags are: the caller claims you owe taxes and must pay when ready, the caller threatens arrest or deportation if you do not pay right now, the caller demands payment by gift card or wire transfer, or the caller says you cannot speak to a lawyer or accountant.

The real IRS will never threaten you with arrest during a phone call, demand when ready payment, or ask you to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS also will not initiate contact by email, text message, or social media. If you receive a message through any of these channels claiming to be from the IRS, it is a scam.

Scammers may also send fake emails that look like they come from the IRS, with a link to a fake website that mimics the real IRS.gov. If you click the link and enter your information, the scammers steal your identity. Do not click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to IRS.gov in your browser or call 1-800-829-1040.

What to do if you receive an IRS letter

Read the letter carefully and note the notice number and important date. If the letter asks for documents, gather them and send them to the address listed in the letter. Do not send originals — send copies. Include a cover letter that states your name, the notice number, and the tax year in question.

If you disagree with what the IRS found, you have the right to respond. The letter will explain how to request an appeal or how to provide additional information to support your position. You can also contact a tax professional — a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney — to help you respond. The IRS will accept a response from your representative if you give them written permission.

If you cannot pay what the IRS says you owe, do not ignore the letter. Contact the IRS at the number listed in the letter or call 1-800-829-1040 to discuss a payment plan. The IRS offers several options for people who cannot pay in full, including installment agreements that let you pay over time.

How to report a scam that claims to be from the IRS

If you receive a phone call, email, text, or letter that claims to be from the IRS but looks suspicious, report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. You can file a report online at tigta.gov or by phone at 1-800-366-4484. Include as much detail as you can: the phone number that called you, the email address, the date and time of contact, and what the scammer said or asked for.

You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If the scammer sent you an email, forward it to phishing@irs.gov. These reports help law enforcement track scam patterns and stop the criminals behind them.

If you have already given the scammer money or personal information, contact your bank or credit card company right away. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

Understanding IRS notice numbers and what they mean

Each IRS notice number tells you what type of issue the agency is addressing. CP2000 means the IRS received a form from your employer or financial institution that does not match your tax return — for example, your W-2 shows different income than what you reported. CP2501 is a follow-up notice if you did not respond to a CP2000. CP12 means you have an underpayment of tax and may owe penalties.

Other common notice numbers include CP14 (you owe additional tax), CP15 (you owe additional tax and interest), and CP16 (you owe additional tax, interest, and penalties). CP505 means the IRS is considering taking collection action. Knowing your notice number helps you understand exactly what the IRS is reviewing and what response is expected from you.

The IRS website at IRS.gov has a tool where you can search your notice number to learn more about what it means and what steps to take next. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and reference your notice number when you speak to an agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the IRS contact me by email or text?

No. The IRS does not initiate contact by email, text message, or social media. If you receive an unsolicited email or text claiming to be from the IRS, it is a scam. The IRS always starts with a letter mailed to your address on file.

What should I do if an IRS agent calls me?

If you are unsure whether the call is real, hang up and call the IRS main line at 1-800-829-1040 to verify. Provide the agent's name and callback number. Do not give personal information or payment details during an unsolicited call, even if the caller sounds official.

How long do I have to respond to an IRS letter?

Most IRS letters give you at least 30 days to respond from the date on the letter. The important date will be clearly stated in the letter. If you need more time, you can request an extension by contacting the IRS at the number listed in the letter.

What if I think the IRS made a mistake on my letter?

You have the right to disagree with the IRS finding. The letter will explain how to request an appeal or provide additional information. You can respond in writing with documents that support your position, or you can contact a tax professional to help you respond.

Can I ignore an IRS letter?

No. Ignoring an IRS letter can result in additional penalties, interest, and collection action. If you cannot pay what you owe or disagree with the finding, contact the IRS or a tax professional to discuss your options. The IRS offers payment plans and appeals processes for people in your situation.