Treasury, furnish credit or debit card information over the phone, or to pay using iTunes or other gift cards it’s a fake."That's scary for taxpayers because it feels legitimate, but keep in mind that some tax-related information, like liens that have been filed against taxpayers, may be available to the public," Phillips Erb wrote. ![]() If the letter asks you to write a check to any party other than the U.S. The real IRS will not threaten to arrest or deport you.įinally, a legitimate collection letter will note your payment options, including how to pay any balance due. If there is contact information but you’re not sure that it’s legitimate, you can always call the IRS directly at 1 8.Ī letter from the real IRS will also include additional information about your rights as a taxpayer such an explanation of your appeal rights and other options. If there’s no contact information or if it appears to be a personal or cell number, the letter is likely a fake. If there’s no notice or letter number, it’s likely a fake.Ī real IRS letter will typically include your truncated tax ID number and will note the tax year or years in question at the top right-hand corner of the letter.Ī bona fide letter will include IRS contact information - usually a 1.800 number found at the top of the letter near your identifying information. Here are a few tips:Ī proper IRS letter will usually arrive in a government envelope and will include the IRS seal on the notice or letter.Ī legitimate letter will include a notice or letter number, most commonly found at the top right-hand corner. But there are some ways to spot a legit IRS letter from a fake one. Use caution when replying to correspondence. Don't be frightened into giving up cash or personal information just because a scammer knows one or two facts about you. That’s scary for taxpayers because it feels legitimate, but keep in mind that some tax-related information, like liens that have been filed against taxpayers, may be available to the public. In some cases, the fake IRS letters have included facts about real tax debts. As with previous scam efforts, the letter goes on to warn that the warrant could result in arrests or other criminal action if the taxpayer doesn’t pay immediately. Some variations of fake IRS letters claim that a warrant has been issued to a taxpayer because of unpaid tax obligations. Since then, taxpayers have continued to report receipt of fake IRS letters. In one version, the letter threatens an IRS lien or levy based on bogus delinquent taxes owed to a nonexistent agency called the “Bureau of Tax Enforcement.” There is no such agency. The lien notification may also reference the IRS to make you think that the letter is legitimate. To try and trick taxpayers, some scammers are sending letters, hoping that folks will take the bait. Many taxpayers are aware that the IRS will never call to demand immediate payment over the phone, or call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. ![]() ![]() During this time of year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is sending out bills and notices to taxpayers - It may be hard for taxpayers to tell the real thing from the fakes - and scammers are taking advantage of the confusion.
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