A mailed notice can feel more believable than a suspicious call, because the real IRS often does contact people by mail first. Scammers know that too, so a printed letter still deserves careful verification before you scan, call, or pay.
Does this affect you?
Use this for any physical letter or notice in the United States that claims to come from the IRS and mentions unpaid taxes, refunds, verification, legal action, or account updates.
Check whether the letter is genuinely from the IRS
Do these checks before calling a number or scanning a QR code printed on the paper.
- Find the notice or letter number, usually near the top or bottom. It may look like CP2000 or LTR 2802C. Type irs.gov yourself and search that exact number to see whether it matches a real IRS notice.
- Question any demand for immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, or a payment app. The IRS uses official payment channels such as IRS Direct Pay, mailed checks or money orders, cards, and approved processors.
- Do not scan a QR code on a suspicious letter to verify your identity or pay. Go to irs.gov directly instead.
- Compare the return address and phone number with official IRS contact information on irs.gov. Do not trust the printed number just because the letter looks formal.
- Treat threats of immediate arrest, deportation, license suspension, or same-day legal action as scam signals. Real tax disputes involve notices, rights, and appeal processes.
- If you are unsure, contact the IRS using a number from irs.gov and ask whether a notice was actually issued to you.
What to do once you have confirmed it is fake
Reporting helps investigators connect this letter to similar attempts.
- Do not call the printed number, scan the QR code, or visit any address listed only in the letter.
- Report the letter to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration through TIGTA’s complaint process.
- Report IRS phishing attempts through the IRS phishing reporting channel and file a fraud report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If you already paid, contact the bank, card issuer, or payment provider immediately.
- If you shared a Social Security number or other identity details, consider a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- If you might genuinely owe taxes, check your IRS Online Account at irs.gov or speak with a qualified tax professional.
More control
Mail format does not prove legitimacy
A printed letter can copy letterhead, official language, and notice-style formatting. Verify the notice number and contact route independently every time.
Help older relatives verify instead of panic
IRS impersonation scams often target older adults. Walking through the irs.gov notice lookup together is more useful than a vague warning because it shows exactly how to confirm the next letter.
Sources
- IRS – Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter (2025)
- IRS – How to Know It’s Really the IRS Calling or Knocking on Your Door (2025)
- FTC Consumer Advice – IRS Imposter Scams (2025)