Opening paragraph

A purported IRS call can feel urgent and frightening. Scammers count on that fear. The real IRS generally starts with a mailed notice and uses phone calls only as follow-up in limited circumstances. If you get a call demanding immediate payment, threatening arrest, or asking for payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, or wire transfer, treat it as a probable scam (IRS: Tax Scams – Consumer Alerts).

Why this matters

Scammers who impersonate IRS agents aim to steal money or personal information (Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, tax records). Identity theft tied to tax accounts can create years of complications: falsely filed returns, delayed refunds, and collection notices. In my practice advising hundreds of taxpayers, the most effective first move is always to pause, verify, and never transact on the caller’s terms.

How the IRS normally contacts you

  • Primary contact is by U.S. mail. The IRS sends official notices and bills before making collection calls. (See IRS guidance on how and when the IRS contacts taxpayers: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts)
  • The IRS will not initiate contact by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information for immediate payment of taxes.
  • The IRS will not demand payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency.

Red flags of an impersonation scam

  • Caller demands immediate payment or threats of arrest or deportation.
  • Caller asks for payment via non-traditional methods (gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire service to a private account, or cryptocurrency).
  • Caller refuses to provide written documentation (a notice number or taxpayer letter) or insists you pay right now.
  • The caller’s phone number displays as “IRS” or a local number but you did not receive mail first.
  • Caller pressures you to give remote access to your computer or to install payment apps.

Immediate steps to verify a call (Checklist)

  1. Stop and do not engage. Do not give any personal information, including your Social Security number or bank account information.
  2. Ask for the caller’s name, badge number, and callback number. Note the time and exact wording of the call.
  3. Hang up and call the IRS directly using contact information on IRS.gov. For individuals, contact the IRS main number listed at IRS.gov/contact-your-local-irs-office rather than the number provided by the caller. The IRS also lists specific contact numbers by topic on its website. (IRS: How and When the IRS Contacts Taxpayers)
  4. Check for a prior mailed notice. Most IRS phone contacts follow a written notice with a notice number you can verify online.
  5. If you think you lost money or gave out sensitive information, treat it as identity theft: contact your bank, place fraud alerts, and consider freezing your credit.

Sample scripts to verify or pause the call

  • “I don’t share personal information on the phone. Please provide your badge number and a callback number so I can verify.”
  • If provided a callback number: “Thank you. I will call the IRS using the number on IRS.gov to confirm. Please expect my call.”

How to report suspected IRS impersonation

  • Report to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) online or by phone at 1-800-366-4484. TIGTA handles complaints involving impersonation scams and fraudulent tax schemes. (TIGTA: Report Tax Fraud Scams)
  • Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov. Do not click links or download attachments.
  • Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov (FTC), which gives a recovery plan and sample letters to send to credit bureaus.

If you shared information or paid a scammer

  1. Contact your bank and payment provider immediately to try to stop or reverse payments. Ask about filing fraud claims.
  2. If you paid by gift card, it is usually impossible to reverse the payment — report the loss to the retailer and TIGTA.
  3. File an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) if the thief used your SSN to file a return or to access your account (IRS: Identity Theft pages).
  4. Place fraud alerts and consider a credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

When the IRS really will call

There are legitimate situations when an IRS representative may call: to follow up on a previously mailed notice, to schedule an audit interview, or to discuss collection options. But even then: the IRS will provide a letter number and will not demand immediate payment via unusual methods. If collections escalate, the IRS will send official notices about levies or liens first; see our guide on When and How the IRS Can Issue a Levy for more on how collection actions work (Understanding levies and your rights: https://finhelp.io/glossary/when-and-how-the-irs-can-issue-a-levy-what-to-expect/).

Practical next steps if you receive an official-looking notice and a call

  • Keep records. Save the mailed notice and note dates and times of phone calls. This evidence speeds resolution if fraud occurs.
  • Confirm identity the official way. Use IRS.gov to find the phone number listed for the specific notice or office. Do not call numbers provided in suspicious emails or texts.
  • Seek help if you feel pressured. If an agent threatens you with arrest or legal action, that is a fraudster. The IRS delivers legal notices by mail and pursues disputes through established procedures. If unsure, consult a qualified tax professional or attorney.

Special considerations for vulnerable taxpayers

Older adults and people less familiar with digital security are frequent targets. If you assist an elderly relative, insist on verification steps and consider being present when they talk to anyone claiming to be from the IRS. If a family member says the IRS called demanding payment, follow the verification checklist above before taking any action.

Related resources and deeper reads

Common misconceptions

  • Myth: “If the caller says they’re from the IRS, they’re legit.” False. Caller ID can be spoofed, and scammers often impersonate IRS agents.
  • Myth: “The IRS will call to demand immediate payment.” False. The IRS follows a written-notice process first and uses formal channels for collection.
  • Myth: “Only low-income or older people are targeted.” False. Scammers cast a wide net. Still, older adults are disproportionately victimized.

Final checklist (quick-reference)

  • Hang up. Do not provide personal info.
  • Ask for badge and callback number.
  • Verify via IRS.gov and mailed notices.
  • Report to TIGTA and the IRS (phishing@irs.gov).
  • If defrauded, contact your bank, file Form 14039 if needed, and place fraud alerts/freezes.

Professional note

In my experience working with clients who received impersonation calls, the single best protection is a deliberate pause: hang up, verify, and document. When clients followed that step, we avoided fraudulent payments and often confirmed there was no legitimate IRS action pending.

Legal and professional disclaimer

This article is educational and not a substitute for legal or tax advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a CPA, tax attorney, or the IRS directly.

Authoritative sources