Is It Really the IRS at Your Door?

You hear a knock at your door and the person on the other side says they’re with the IRS. Is it really the IRS or is it a scam?

While it’s true that the IRS initiates most contact with taxpayers via regular mail, there are circumstances when an IRS representative may call or come to your home or business. Those circumstances include situations where the taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, failed to file a tax return or has not made an employment tax deposit.

If the IRS does come knocking at your door, how can you protect yourself and be sure they really are with the IRS?

1. Ask to see their ID. Revenue officers have 2 forms of official identification with serial numbers and photos of the employee – IRS-issued credentials and an HPSD-12 card (a government-wide standard form of identification for federal employees). Ask to see both.
2. Open your mail. Even when the IRS comes to your door, you’ll likely receive several notices in the mail before that visit.

Remember, the IRS will never:

• Demand a payment method like a prepaid debit card or gift card.
• Demand you make payment without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount due.
• Send you text messages or contact you via social media.
• Threaten you with arrest.

The IRS does not have the ability to revoke your driver’s license, business license or immigration status.

What should you do if you’ve been scammed?

Report it immediately to the Treasury Inspector General at (800) 366-4484 or on the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting site.

Have questions? Contact us today!