How to Recognize a Fake IRS Letter
Since the IRS still sends out a lot of letters regarding tax returns for 2020, you might be wondering if the letter you received is legitimate and not a scam. The short answer is to check directly with the IRS if you receive a letter asking for personal information or paying taxes, but there are other indications that the letter you received is not up to par. Here’s how to spot a fake IRS letter.
What the real IRS will look like
The IRS envelope will include the IRS logo, and the letter will include your Partial Taxpayer Identification Number as well as a Notice Number (CP) or Letter Number (LTR) in the upper or lower right corner of the page. Your letter will also listyour rights as a taxpayer (something the scammer is unlikely to point out). In terms of content, the email will be sent to you for several specific reasons:
- You are in arrears.
- You are entitled to a higher or lower refund.
- The IRS has a question about your tax return.
- The IRS needs to verify your identity.
- The IRS requires additional information from you.
- The IRS changed your tax return.
- The IRS will notify you of delays in processing your return.
This IRS letter will never ask for immediate payment or otherwise compel you to provide your personal information. If you are asked for a tax refund, you will always be asked to appeal your payment first. And you will never be asked to make payments directly to the IRS – instead, payments will always be made to the Treasury Department, which you can do by visiting www.irs.gov (and if the letter mentions gift cards? Forget this is a scam).
If in doubt, check with the IRS directly.
Because IRS logos and letters can be easily counterfeited if you have any doubts about the letter’s authenticity, theBetter Business Bureau recommends going to IRS.gov to find the corresponding notice or form number and read the IRS Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter page. You can also call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to verify the letter is authentic (use the notice or letter number as reference when speaking with an IRS agent).
If you believe you have received a fake IRS letter, please report it to the Inspector General of the Treasury for Tax Administration and the IRS directly at phishing@irs.gov.