If you get a call or email from someone who claims to be a representative of the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) be wary. The call or email will often ask you to visit a website or answer personal questions. Do not reply, and do not click on any links in the email.
The IRS will never:
- Call to demand immediate payment over the phone
- Call about taxes owed. Instead you will receive several bills mailed to your physical address
- Call or email you to verify your identity by obtaining personal and financial information
- Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the chance to question or appeal the amount they say is owed
- Require you to use a specific form of payment for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card
- Ask for your credit or debit card numbers
Remember, the IRS does not initiate contact with you via phone or email. Rather than answer questions via email or phone related to your finances, call the IRS directly at
800-829-1040 and ask to speak with a representative.