Is the IRS Calling Me? How to Tell If It's a Scam
Last reviewed by Calculus Tax in-house Settlement Officer
The IRS and its private collection agencies can call you about an account, but the IRS says it never calls to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or tell you about a refund. If a caller does any of those things, hang up, record the number, and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
Quick answer
The IRS or a private collection agency working for it can call about your account, but the IRS never calls to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or tell you about a refund. If a caller does, hang up, record the number, and report it to TIGTA at 800-366-4484. Check what you owe in your IRS Online Account instead.
| Can the IRS call you? | Yes, about account matters, as can its private collection agencies |
|---|---|
| The IRS never calls to | Demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or tell you about a refund |
| Report a fake call | TIGTA hotline, 800-366-4484 |
| Report a fake email or text | phishing@irs.gov; forward texts to 7726 |
| Verify a real contact | Call 800-829-1040 or check your IRS Online Account |
| Private collection agencies | The IRS notifies you by mail first |
Does the IRS Ever Call?
Yes. The IRS or a private collection agency working for it may call you about an account matter. The IRS uses private collection agencies for certain overdue tax debts, and it notifies you by mail before an agency contacts you. A call out of the blue that does not match any letter you received is a reason to verify before you talk.
Signs the Call Is a Scam
Per the IRS, impersonators want you to pay now or else. They threaten arrest or deportation, and they do not let you question or appeal the amount. The IRS never calls to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or tell you about a refund. Odd or misspelled links sent after a call are another warning sign.
How the IRS Usually Contacts You First
Most IRS contact starts with a letter. Each notice has a number, such as CP14 or LTR 3172, in the right corner, and you can look it up on IRS.gov. If the letter does not appear in the search or looks suspicious, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. See got a letter from the IRS? what to do first.
Texts, Emails, and Social Media
The IRS says it never emails you without your permission, does not send text messages without your permission, and never sends direct messages on social media. Do not reply, click links, or open attachments in a message claiming to be from the IRS.
How to Verify a Real IRS Contact
Hang up and call the IRS yourself at 800-829-1040, or the number on a notice you have confirmed on IRS.gov. Sign in to your IRS Online Account to see whether you actually owe a balance. If someone comes to your door, a real revenue officer carries two forms of IRS identification and usually schedules visits by letter; see Letter 725-B.
How to Report a Fake IRS Call or Message
For a suspicious IRS-related call, record the number, hang up, and report it to the TIGTA hotline at 800-366-4484. Forward suspicious IRS emails as attachments to phishing@irs.gov. For texts, send the sender's number, the message, and the date and time to phishing@irs.gov, and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). Suspicious tax debt relief calls go to the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.
Beware of Tax Debt Relief Robocalls
The IRS warns about companies that pressure you to use their services and promise to settle your debt for pennies on the dollar. You can apply for an offer in compromise directly with the IRS if you are eligible. Before hiring anyone, read how to choose a legitimate tax relief company.
If You Already Paid or Shared Information
Report the scam and follow the IRS steps for victims. If someone may have your Social Security number, consider an Identity Protection PIN to prevent returns being filed in your name, and see IRS identity theft tax issues. If you owe a real balance, contact us to review it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the IRS call you about back taxes?
It can, and private collection agencies working for the IRS can too, but the IRS notifies you by mail first and never demands immediate payment or threatens arrest.
Will the IRS call to tell me I'm getting a refund?
No. The IRS says it never calls to inform you of a refund.
Can the IRS have me arrested over the phone?
Threats of arrest or deportation are a sign of a scam. The IRS says it never calls to threaten arrest.
Where do I report an IRS scam call?
Record the number, hang up, and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.
Does the IRS use private debt collectors?
Yes, for certain overdue tax debts. The IRS notifies you by mail before a private collection agency sends you a letter.
How do I check whether I really owe the IRS?
Sign in to your IRS Online Account to view your balance, or call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
Sources
What can change the answer
Notice type, issue date, filing history, account status, deadlines, and current agency procedures can change the available next step. Bring the complete notice and account records to a qualified review.
Tax rules and collection procedures can change and depend on the account. Federal claims should be checked against current IRS guidance; California claims should be checked against the California Franchise Tax Board. See our editorial methodology for sourcing and update standards.
Results depend on your facts and on IRS or state decisions. Calculus Tax, Inc. is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.
When professional help may make sense
Calculus Tax, Inc. can review notices, organize financial information, explain available paths, and communicate with the IRS or California agencies when representation is appropriate. The right next step depends on your facts, deadlines, filing history, and ability to pay.
We are based in Burbank and serve clients in Los Angeles and throughout Los Angeles County. See our local service-area pages for location-specific information.
Ready to Resolve Your Tax Problem?
Calculus Tax, Inc. helps individuals and businesses understand IRS debt, audits, notices, and collection options. We explain the process, review the available paths, and help coordinate next steps.