What should I do about IRS scam calls?
Scammers pose as the IRS and demand you pay now or be arrested. The IRS starts audits by mail, not by phone. A real private collector for the IRS only calls after you get a CP40 letter.
Watch for threats of arrest or deportation, demands to pay now, and odd web links. Those are signs of a scam.
Before a private collector calls, you get two letters: an IRS CP40 and the agency's own letter. Both have a taxpayer authentication number.
Private collectors for the IRS will not threaten you.
Key facts
- Did you get a CP40 letter first?
- Does the caller know your taxpayer authentication number?
- Are they threatening arrest?
- What does your IRS Online Account show you owe?
Options that may help
Sign in at irs.gov to see what you really owe.
Don't pay anyone over the phone who threatens you.
Report impersonation to the IRS.
Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.
Common questions
How do I know a private collector is real?
Your CP40 names your agency. You and the agency swap parts of your taxpayer authentication number to confirm each other.
Source: IRS: Private debt collection
Does the IRS start audits by phone?
No. The IRS says it won't initiate an audit by telephone.
Source: IRS: IRS audits
Sources
General information, not tax or legal advice. You can contact the IRS yourself for free at irs.gov.