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or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Know how and when we contact you so you can protect yourself from impersonators.
Warning signs it’s a scam
A phone call, email or text message isn’t from the IRS if it:
- Is unexpected
- Rushes you
- Threatens you
- Asks for personal or financial information
- Demands payment now
A social media direct message is never from us. Follow verified IRS social media accounts.
Did you get a suspicious contact? Report it to us.
How we contact you
U.S. mail
We normally contact you the first time by mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
Some letters are sent from private collection agencies.
To verify it’s us, search IRS notices and letters.
We email only when you opt in.
We use specific email addresses:
- IRS account email notifications are sent from email address ending in irs.gov.
- IRS News Bulletin emails are sent from email address irs@service.govdelivery.com.
Text messages
We send text messages only when you opt in.
We use specific short codes in IRS text messages.
Phone
The IRS or private collection agencies may call you to address account matters.
In some cases, we use automated phone messages. They direct you to IRS.gov to securely manage your account, make payments or resolve an issue. The messages don’t share specific details.
Fax
We might send a fax to verify or request employment information.
In-person visits
These are uncommon.
If we visit you
Unannounced visits are rare. We generally send a letter before we visit.
Only four types of IRS employees may visit your home or business. Each contacts you in specific ways and carries official identification (ID).
Revenue Agents are civilian employees who conduct examinations (audits). They review financial records to verify what you reported. They may meet you at an IRS office or visit your home, business or accountant's office. A visit may require a tour of your business or your authorized power of attorney.
Before a visit
The agent contacts you by mail. After, they may call to discuss your audit.
Third-party contacts
If the agent needs information from someone else (a third party), they mail them a letter. The agent may then call them. Sometimes, the IRS issues a summons by mail or in person.
Revenue Officers are civilian employees. They help resolve returns and taxes owed as part of the collection process. They tell you about your rights, obligations, options and consequences.
Before a visit
The officer mails Letter 725-B or calls you to set up a visit. To confirm your appointment, call the phone number on your letter. They mail several notices and letters. They visit if multiple attempts to contact you are unanswered.
Revenue Officers generally work cases within their assigned geographic area; however, there are instances where they may travel to other locations to conduct official business. An example is Coordinated Field Activities (CFAs), a standard part of IRS Collection operations. In CFAs, Revenue Officers are temporarily deployed to cover areas with limited field presence or to address a specific need with priority inventory.
During a visit
If you owe tax, you can pay the officer in cash or check, certified funds or money order payable to "United States Treasury." You can also pay online.
Businesses
When you fall behind on employment tax, we send you a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) alert. The officer:
- Calls before mailing a balance due notice
- Mails Letter 5857, FTD Alert Telephone Contact, with a call time. To confirm or reschedule, call the phone number on your letter.
- Sets up follow-ups, if needed
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers. They're authorized to investigate tax and related financial crimes like money laundering. They’re the only armed IRS employees.
They may
- Visit or call unannounced as part of a criminal investigation
- Call or email with questions connected to a criminal investigation
They don't
- Work on civil tax cases
- Demand payment
If an IRS-CI Special Agent is at your door
You can verify their identity with the IRS-CI Employee Verification tool.
Note: The tool is not available during all enforcement actions due to operational and safety considerations.
This is only for pervasively regulated industry sites (including refineries, terminals, wholesalers, retailers and end-users) where taxable fuel is produced or stored.
IRS Fuel Inspectors:
- Visit unannounced for an interview and tour
- Gather your information
- Inform you on how to become and remain compliant with fuel tax laws
Identification we carry
Revenue Officers, Revenue Agents and Fuel Inspectors carry an IRS-issued credential (pocket commission) and HSPD-12 card. Both have the employee’s serial number and photo. You can ask to see both.
- You may ask to see an additional ID from revenue agents and fuel inspectors.
- Fuel inspectors also wear uniforms and drive government vehicles.
Criminal Investigation Special Agents present law enforcement credentials when they investigate.
If you feel unsafe, call 911.
If the person doesn't show you these IDs or you aren’t sure about them, call the number on the card provided by the revenue officer or agent.