Why this matters
Receiving any notice that appears to be from the IRS can be stressful. Scammers commonly mimic IRS letters and calls to steal money or personal data. Taking a short verification routine protects your finances and identity. In my 15 years advising clients, simple checks stopped several costly mistakes.

Step-by-step checklist to verify a notice

  1. Don’t react immediately. Pause before calling numbers in the letter, clicking links, or sending money. Scammers create urgency to force mistakes.
  2. Inspect the physical letter. Legitimate IRS mail usually:
  • Shows official IRS letterhead and a notice or letter number (upper-right). See the IRS guide for examples (irs.gov).
  • Includes the tax year and shows the last 4 digits of your SSN or ITIN — not the full number.
  • Is mailed via U.S. Postal Service first-class mail; the IRS rarely starts with email or text for initial contact.
  1. Check notice details against your records. Compare amounts, dates, and tax years to your filed returns and bank statements. If numbers don’t match, that’s a red flag.
  2. Confirm by contacting the IRS directly. Use phone numbers from IRS.gov, not the letter. The IRS “How to know if a letter or notice is from the IRS” page shows how to verify notice codes and contact points (IRS.gov). If you call, use the number for individuals on IRS.gov/contact-your-local-office.
  3. Search the notice code online at IRS.gov. Many notices are documented with instructions and deadlines. If the code or number isn’t found on IRS.gov, treat the correspondence cautiously.
  4. Report suspected scams. Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov and report impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). The IRS and TIGTA provide reporting guidance.

Common red flags of fraudulent notices

  • Demands for immediate payment via unusual methods (gift cards, cryptocurrency, or third-party apps).
  • Instructions to wire money or use a prepaid debit card.
  • Threats of arrest, deportation, or license revocation.
  • Poor grammar, misspelled words, or low-resolution logos.
  • Caller insists they are from the IRS and demands payment over the phone without mailing a prior notice.

Safe ways to respond if the notice appears legitimate

  • Don’t pay until you confirm. If you owe, IRS notices include a notice number and payment instructions; verify these on IRS.gov first.
  • Organize documents. Scan or copy the notice and gather the tax return, W-2s/1099s, and bank records referenced.
  • If you agree with the notice and must pay, use official IRS payment portals listed on IRS.gov/payments. Avoid phone payment requests unless you verified the call.
  • If you disagree, follow the appeal or dispute instructions on the notice. Keep records of any correspondence.

When to get professional help
Contact a qualified tax pro if the notice involves large amounts, multiple years, potential penalties, or if you’re uncertain about how to respond. In my practice I often request transcripts from the IRS and help clients prepare formal responses when audits or collections are threatened.

Where to learn more on FinHelp

Authoritative resources

Quick summary (keep this checklist handy)
1) Pause and don’t click or pay. 2) Verify notice number and last 4 of SSN on the letter. 3) Call or search IRS.gov using official contact points. 4) Report scams to phishing@irs.gov and TIGTA. 5) Seek professional help when large amounts or audits are involved.

Disclaimer
This is educational information and not individualized tax advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified tax professional or contact the IRS directly.