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How to Verify an IRS Letter or Notice is Legitimate
How to Verify an IRS Letter or Notice is Legitimate
Getting a letter from the IRS can be scary. Your first thought is probably “Am I in trouble?” Don’t panic! Many letters from the IRS are routine and nothing to worry about. But sometimes scammers send fake letters pretending to be the IRS to try and steal your money or personal information. So how do you know if an IRS letter is real? Here’s what to look for.
Check who it’s addressed to
A real IRS letter will be addressed to you personally, with your correct name and mailing address. Scam letters might get some details wrong or be addressed “to whom it may concern.”
Verify the letter number
There are lots of different IRS notice and letter numbers, but the most common ones start with CP, LTR, or LT. You can look up IRS letter numbers on the IRS website to see if it’s legit. If the number doesn’t match, it’s probably a scam.
Look for personal information
Real IRS letters will contain specific information like your Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or IRS account number. Scammers won’t have access to this personal info, so letters without it are suspicious.
Check for spelling and grammar errors
IRS letters go through lots of review before being mailed out. They shouldn’t have typos, bad grammar, or other errors. Sloppy mistakes are a red flag it’s not the real IRS.
Verify online
The IRS has an online tool called the Identity Verification Service where you can verify the legitimacy of a letter. You’ll need to provide specific info from the letter like your SSN and notice date. This service can instantly confirm if it’s real or not.
Call the IRS
If you’re still unsure about a letter, call the IRS directly and ask. The IRS will be able to look up your account and tell you if they really sent it. Just make sure to call the real IRS at 1-800-829-1040, not any phone number listed on a suspicious letter.
Look for threats or demands
Real IRS letters focus on facts, not threats. Scam letters often threaten arrest or other legal action. They may demand immediate payment by wire transfer or gift card. The real IRS never demands taxes be paid a certain way, especially not prepaid cards!
Check for a reply deadline
Most IRS letters don’t require any response by a specific date. Scam letters will make up fake deadlines of 24-48 hours to pressure you into acting quick. Take your time and verify before responding.
Know common IRS scams
Some fake IRS letters are part of larger scams. Watch out for notices about:
- Fake tax audits requesting documents
- “Unpaid taxes” that you don’t actually owe
- Threats to suspend your Social Security Number
- Requests for personal information like bank accounts
The IRS will never contact you for the first time by phone about unpaid taxes. Always verify first!
Report scams
If you determine a letter is fraudulent, report it! You can report to the IRS using their Report Phishing page. File a complaint with the FTC at FTCComplaintAssistant.gov and notify the Attorney General in your state.
Protect your info
Only provide personal info to verify an IRS letter using official IRS channels, like their website or phone number. And never give out info like your Social Security Number, bank account details or credit card numbers to anyone who contacts you out of the blue!
Dealing with the IRS can be intimidating and confusing. Don’t let scammers pressure you into anything. Stay calm, do your research, and verify that any IRS notice is real before responding. You’ve got this!
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