How to identify authentic IRS communications

By IRS.gov       April 2026

Know how and when the IRS contacts you so you can protect yourself from impersonators.

Ways we contact you:

We typically contact you the first time by mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

To verify it’s us, search IRS notices and letters. Some letters are sent from private collection agencies.

Other ways we may contact you:

  • Email - We email only with your permission, with a few exceptions like criminal investigations.
  • Text message - We text you only with your permission.
  • Phone - The IRS or private collection agencies may call you to address account matters. In some cases, IRS uses automated messages that direct you to IRS.gov to securely manage your account, make payments or resolve an issue. The messages don’t share specific details.
  • Fax - We might send a fax to verify or request employment information.
  • In-person visit - These are rare. Find out how and when IRS employees visit you or your business. We generally send a letter before we visit.

We don't:

  • Direct message or take payment on social media. Follow our social media accounts.
  • Accept gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment.
  • Call with automated messages that threaten or direct to websites that aren’t IRS.gov.
  • Threaten to call law enforcement or immigration officials.
  • Take your citizenship status, driver's license or business license.
  • Mail tax debt resolution advertisements.

If we visit you:

Unannounced visits are rare. Only four types of IRS employees may visit your home or business. Each IRS employee contacts you in specified ways and carries official identification (ID).

  • Revenue agents - examinations (audits)
  • Revenue officers - collections
  • Special agents - criminal investigations
  • Fuel inspectors

Identification we carry:

Revenue officers, revenue agents and fuel inspectors carry an IRS-issued credential (pocket commission) and an HSPD-12 card. Both have the employee’s serial number and photo. You can ask to see both.

  • You may ask to see an additional ID from revenue agents and fuel inspectors.
  • Fuel inspectors also wear uniforms and drive government vehicles.

Criminal Investigation special agents present law enforcement credentials when they investigate.

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