Every year, millions of Americans receive important correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service. While most of these letters and notices are legitimate, scammers prey on fear and confusion to steal personal information or money. By learning the IRS’s official practices, you can separate real communication from fraud attempts and safeguard your finances.

In this guide, we cover the full spectrum of IRS contact methods, expose common scam tactics, and provide actionable tips to protect yourself.

Understanding Official IRS Communications

The IRS follows strict protocols when contacting taxpayers. The primary contact method is regular U.S. mail, sent via the United States Postal Service. If you owe taxes, the first notice arrives in a sealed envelope with official IRS letterhead.

For certain collection cases, you may hear from one of three authorized private collection agencies: CBE Group Inc., Coast Professional Inc., or ConServe. Before any outside contact, the IRS mails Notice CP40 and Publication 4518. All correspondence includes a unique taxpayer authentication number for verification.

While mail is the standard, the IRS also uses additional channels in limited situations:

• Phone calls after initial mail contact to discuss specific cases or verify information.
• Text messages with explicit permission only—never for initial outreach.
• Email allowed through October 31, 2025 for ongoing authenticated cases with a named IRS employee.

Recognizing What the IRS Never Does

Understanding what the IRS will not do is just as important as knowing its official procedures. If you encounter any of the following, treat the contact as suspicious:

The IRS does NOT request payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency. It never sends unsolicited social media direct messages, pre-recorded robo-calls, or threatening voicemail recordings. You will not face immediate arrest or deportation without due process, nor will you be asked for citizenship status or driver’s license to resolve a tax bill.

No legitimate IRS communication demands instant payment without the chance to question or appeal. If you see ads for "tax debt resolution" or calls pressuring you to pay through unconventional channels, disconnect immediately.

Red Flags of Tax Scams

Scammers often mimic IRS language and branding. Watch for these warning signs:

• Unsolicited requests for personal or banking information through email or text.
• Messages containing suspicious links or domains not ending in ".gov."
• Threats of license revocation, arrest, or deportation unless you pay immediately.
• Demands for non-traditional payments such as gift cards or wire transfers.
• Correspondence lacking an official IRS form or letter number.

Verifying Legitimate IRS Contacts

When in doubt, use these methods to confirm authenticity:

For social media, the IRS uses verified accounts solely for news and tips. It never uses these channels for account-specific inquiries or payment requests.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

Staying vigilant is your best defense. Adopt these practices:

• Never click suspicious links or download attachments from unsolicited sources.
• Verify websites by ensuring the URL ends in ".gov" before entering any personal data.
• Use only phone numbers listed on IRS.gov for calls or inquiries.
• Keep antivirus software up to date and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Monitor your financial statements and credit report for unauthorized activity.

IRS Public Engagement and Education

The IRS is committed to public awareness and offers multiple resources:

The Communications & Liaison Division publishes official press releases and collaborates with community organizations to spread accurate information. Through verified Twitter, Instagram, YouTube (including ASL content), and LinkedIn accounts, the IRS shares multilingual tips—not payment requests.

The free IRS2Go app provides refund status updates, tax tips, and direct links to IRS resources without collecting personal details through messaging.

Responding to Suspected Scams

If you believe you have been targeted, take immediate action:

• Do not engage the sender or caller; cut off communication immediately.
• Report phishing or fraudulent contacts to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Contact the IRS directly using numbers or online tools on IRS.gov to confirm any outstanding liabilities.
• Secure your accounts by changing passwords and placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus if you shared sensitive data.

By understanding the IRS’s official protocols and knowing the hallmarks of scams, you can protect your personal information and finances. Educate family and friends, stay current on IRS announcements, and remember that legitimate tax authorities operate with transparency and clear identification. With these practices in place, you can confidently navigate tax season and keep scammers at bay.