11 Signs to Tell if an IRS Letter Is Real or Fake

How to Tell If an IRS Letter Is Real

If you receive mail from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you should evaluate the letter’s legitimacy. Identifying fake letters can prevent issues such as tax refund schemes. Learn the common signs of fraud to protect your sensitive data, financial assets and peace of mind.

Signs Your Letter Is Fake

Here are some signs you’ve received a fake IRS letter.

1. Notice for a Tax Return You Haven’t Filed Yet

Many scammers send fake letters from January to April. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you’ll know the letter isn’t from the IRS.

2. High-Pressure Tactics

Criminals committing IRS fraud may demand immediate payment. Treat any demanding instructions with caution.

3. Missing IRS Logo

All IRS letters feature an authentic symbol. Any pieces of mail without the logo aren’t legitimate.

4. Requests for Unusual Payment Methods

The IRS only accepts U.S. dollars via bank accounts, debit cards, credit cards and checks. Requests for other payment types are scams.

5. Incorrect or Missing Name

Correspondence from the IRS will have your correct name and address. Fake letters may not feature this information.

6. Misspellings and Grammatical Errors

Any IRS letters with spelling errors, incorrect grammar or a mixture of fonts indicate the mail is fake.

7. Threatening Language or Threat of Jail

Warnings about going to jail or prison for not paying your taxes are a red flag. The IRS doesn’t mail threats.

8. Demands for Payment

Any demands for immediate payment are a scam. The IRS offers the opportunity to question or appeal an amount owed anytime they ask you to pay taxes.

9. Notice That You’ve Won Something

The IRS doesn’t offer prizes. Ignore any letters saying you’ve won a reward.

10. Payment Requests to Anyone Other Than the U.S. Treasury

You can make payments via the official IRS channels, including authorized payment vendors and their website. If you want to pay via check, you should address the check to the U.S. Treasury. Requests for other payment types aren’t legitimate.

11. An Unofficial or Strange Envelope

Any plain or suspicious envelopes are probably fake and should be provided to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) for IRS fraud reporting. Reporting the fake letters helps the government stop criminals.

Contact Our Tax Professionals if You Receive a Real Letter

If your IRS letter is real, professionals at BC Tax can offer the guidance and tax services you need. Our tax consultation agency helps clients with tax preparation, tax resolution and back taxes.

To learn more and get a free consultation, contact our team today.

Posted By: BC Tax Insights Team

Authored by the BC Tax Insights Team, this article reflects the collective expertise and experience of our seasoned tax professionals. The Insights Team at BC Tax comprises specialists with a deep understanding of various tax scenarios and solutions. With a focus on providing informative, accurate, and practical insights, our goal is to guide readers through the complexities of taxation and financial planning. Every piece is crafted with the intent to help individuals and businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of taxes, ensuring clarity and confidence in decision-making.

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