07/15/2026
Scammers often pretend to be the IRS. Knowing how the IRS really contacts you can help you avoid fraud.
In most cases, the IRS contacts people first by mail through the U.S. Postal Service. They may also contact you by phone, email, text, fax, or in rare cases, an in-person visit. Email and text generally happen only with your permission, and in-person visits are uncommon.
• The IRS does NOT ask for payment through social media, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards.
• It also does NOT make threatening robocalls, threaten law enforcement or immigration action, or take your driver’s license, business license, or citizenship status.
If something feels off, pause and verify it before you respond.
