Taxpayers: Beware of IRS Phone Scams

An IRS phone scam occurs when criminals impersonate IRS agents and demand immediate payment or personal information. Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS follows specific procedures and will not make aggressive or threatening phone calls demanding payment.

How IRS Phone Scams Work

The IRS will never:

• call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
• threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
• demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
• call unexpectedly about a tax refund.

What to Do If You Receive an IRS Phone Scam Call

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the IRS, take the following steps:

• Record the number and then hang up the phone immediately.
• Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484.
• Report the number to  and be sure to put “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.

To read the full article, please visit the irs.gov website: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-beware-tax-season-is-prime-time-for-phone-scams

Have concerns about an IRS phone call? Contact Siepert & Co., LLP for guidance before responding.