---
title: How Do I Know If an IRS Letter Is Real? | TaxTruce
url: https://taxtruce.com/answers/how-do-i-know-if-an-irs-letter-is-real
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# How do I know if an IRS letter is real?

Updated October 8, 20263 sourcesTaxTruce team[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

Check the notice number on irs.gov and sign in to your Online Account to see if it matches. Don't use phone numbers or links from a suspicious letter. The IRS starts audits by mail, never by phone. Scammers threaten arrest and demand you pay now.

## Sources

1. [IRS: Recognize tax scams and fraud](https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud)
2. [IRS: IRS audits](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/irs-audits)
3. [IRS: Get transcript](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript)

Run the numbers with our [free tax tools](/tools), like the penalty and payment plan math.