Why authenticate first

Letters that look official can be fraudulent. Scammers use real logos and technical language to push victims into immediate payments or revealing personal information. Verifying a letter first protects your money, credit, and identity.

Quick checklist (do these steps in order)

  1. Pause and don’t respond immediately — scammers pressure you to act fast.
  2. Inspect the envelope and sender details. Check the return address and postmark. Many legitimate IRS/mailings come from specific IRS processing centers; however, addresses vary by notice type, so compare the address with the agency’s official site.
  3. Find the notice or letter number (often top right). Note taxpayer name, SSN/ITIN last four digits, tax year, and amount claimed.
  4. Don’t use contact details on the suspicious letter. Instead, look up the agency’s official phone numbers at irs.gov or your state tax agency site and call to verify the notice number and details. (The IRS guidance: most collection or remedy letters are mailed first — they will not demand immediate payment by gift card or threaten arrest by phone.)
  5. Search the exact notice/letter number on the agency’s website. The IRS has explanations for common notices and letters that match the number and text.
  6. Check your tax account and transcripts online (IRS Online Account) to confirm balances or adjustments — do not click any links from the letter.
  7. Verify suspicious payment instructions. Legitimate agencies won’t insist on specific uncommon payment methods (e.g., gift cards, cryptocurrency) and won’t ask for remote access to your computer.
  8. Document everything. Save the letter, take photos, and write the date/time of any calls. If you’re unsure, contact a tax professional before paying.

What to look for in the letter

  • Notice/letter number and tax year. Match these on the agency website.
  • Exact taxpayer identifiers (last 4 of SSN/ITIN) — if missing or incorrect, be suspicious.
  • Clear explanation of why money is owed and how the amount was calculated.
  • Realistic timelines for response and appeal rights. The IRS typically gives time and explains appeals; threats of immediate arrest are red flags.
  • Professional formatting but watch for typos, poor grammar, or low-quality logos.

How to verify using official resources

  • Look up the notice/letter number and its explanation on IRS.gov (search “IRS notice or letter” plus the number).
  • Log into your IRS Online Account to view official notices and transcripts.
  • For email/phishing, forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

If the letter is from a state or local tax agency

  • Use the official state department of revenue website to confirm the notice number and contact info.
  • States follow different practices; some will call but typically follow up by mail. Always confirm via the state site’s published phone numbers.

When to report or escalate

  • If the contact asks for unusual payment methods, threatens immediate law enforcement action, or requests account passwords, report it immediately.
  • Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov, report phone scams to TIGTA, and file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also has consumer resources on scams and identity theft.

Recordkeeping and next steps

  • Keep a copy of the original letter, any emails, and notes from calls.
  • If the notice appears legitimate but you disagree, follow the agency’s appeal or response instructions in writing and keep proof of mailing.
  • If you owe and can’t pay, the IRS and many states offer installment agreements or other relief — don’t pay a scammer instead of using official solutions.

Professional perspective

In my 15 years helping clients handle tax notices, the most useful habit is to always confirm notice numbers and call published agency numbers — this alone prevents most fraud losses. When a client followed this checklist, we stopped a fraudulent demand and avoided a $4,200 improper payment.

Related FinHelp resources

Quick checklist summary (one-line actions)

  • Don’t act immediately. Inspect details. Verify notice number on the agency website. Call published numbers (not the letter). Check your online account. Document and report scams.

Authoritative sources

IRS — https://www.irs.gov; see the IRS pages on notices and reporting phishing. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — https://www.consumerfinance.gov. TIGTA — https://www.tigta.gov. Federal Trade Commission — https://www.ftc.gov.

Professional disclaimer

This article is educational and not personalized tax advice. For decisions about your specific situation, consult a qualified tax professional or attorney.