Ways to tell if the IRS is reaching out or if it’s a scammer
Identity thieves can prey on anyone, at any time. Here’s some helpful tips for taxpayers to know when it’s really the IRS or not.
Email, text and social media
The IRS doesn’t make initial contact through email or social media channels. Some common electronic scams thieves use are:
- Sending phishing emails to taxpayers
- Posing as an IRS social media account to contact taxpayers about a fake bill or refund
- Texting taxpayers about fake "tax credits" or "stimulus payments"
These messages will often direct taxpayers to click fraudulent links they claim are IRS websites or other online tools.
The IRS only sends text messages with the taxpayer’s permission and only collects the taxpayer’s cell phone number or email address if they subscribe to receive messages from the agency.
Letters and notices
A letter or notice is the first way the IRS will contact a taxpayer. There are a few ways a taxpayer can check to see if it's really the IRS:
- Log in to their secure IRS Online Account to see if the letter or notice is in their file
- Review common IRS letters and notices: Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter
- Contact IRS customer service directly to authenticate it
- Verify any collection notice from a private collection agency has the same Taxpayer Authentication Number as the Notice CP40 the taxpayer received from the IRS.
Phone calls
IRS agents may call to confirm an appointment or discuss items for a scheduled audit, after an initial letter or notice. Taxpayers should know:
- The IRS doesn't leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages. Scammers will falsely tell victims if they do not call back, a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
- Private collection agencies contracted by the IRS may call taxpayers to collect certain outstanding inactive tax liabilities, but only after the taxpayer and their representative have received written notice.
- The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies will never ask a taxpayer to pay using any form of pre-paid card, store or online gift card. Taxpayers can review the IRS payments page at IRS.gov/payments for all legitimate ways to make a payment.
In person visits
The IRS ended most unannounced visits to taxpayers by agency revenue officers to improve overall safety for taxpayers and IRS employees.
More information
- Secure tax payment options
- Private Debt Collection Frequently Asked Questions
- Consumer alerts
- Report phishing and online scams
IRS encourages all taxpayers to sign up for an IP PIN for the 2025 tax season
WASHINGTON — As the 2025 tax season approaches, the IRS encourages all taxpayers to take an important step to safeguard their identity by signing up for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN).
This simple yet crucial step can provide an added layer of security, helping protect against tax-related identity theft.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to sign up for IRS Online Account, which provides a quick and easy way to obtain an IP PIN. Signing up early will ensure taxpayers have extra safety by having an IP PIN to electronically file their returns when the filing season begins in 2025.
The IRS encourages people to sign up for an IP PIN before Nov. 23, 2024. After this date, the IP PIN system will undergo maintenance and will not be available again until early January 2025. Signing up for an IP PIN now will ensure that a taxpayer’s identity is protected when the filing season begins. New IP PINs are generated for the 2025 filing season during this period, so online enrollees must retrieve their new IP PIN starting early January 2025.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using a taxpayer’s Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It’s a vital tool for ensuring the safety of taxpayers’ personal and financial information. The IP PIN, known only to an individual and the IRS, confirms their identity when they electronically file their tax return, making it much more difficult for thieves to use their information fraudulently.
How to request an IP PIN
The best way to sign up for an IP PIN is through IRS Online Account. The process requires identity verification, and spouses and dependents can also obtain an IP PIN if they complete the required verification steps. Once an IPPIN is issued, it must be on both electronic and paper returns.
To get an IP PIN, taxpayers should create or log into their online account at IRS.gov and follow the steps for identity verification. Once verified, taxpayers need to click on the profile tab to request their IP PIN. IP PIN users must use this number when filing their federal tax returns for the current calendar year and any previous years filed during that same period.
For those unable to create an Online Account, alternative methods are available, such as in-person authentication at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. More information is available on how to sign up at Get an identity protection Pin (IP PIN).
Additional information about IP PINs
- An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year. For security reasons, new IP PINs are generated at the beginning of each calendar year. Some participants will receive their IP PIN in the mail, while others will have to log into their Online Account to view their current IP PIN.
- Enrolled taxpayers can log back in to their Online Account to view their current IP PIN.
- Taxpayers with an IP PIN must use it when filing any federal tax returns during the year, including prior year tax returns, or amended returns.
- IP PIN users should share their number only with the IRS and their tax preparation provider. The IRS will never call, email, or text a request for the IP PIN.
- Taxpayers can get an IP PIN now for 2024. The IRS will issue new IP PINs starting in January 2025.
- Taxpayers who enrolled in the IP PIN program and have not been a victim of tax-related identity theft can opt out of the IP PIN program via their Online Account.
