Yes, the IRS may call to verify your identity, but usually only after sending a physical letter (like Letter 5071C or 4883C) via the U.S. Postal Service. The IRS does not initiate unexpected, unsolicited calls to ask for personal information. The fastest method is typically online at irs.gov/idverify.
The IRS asks you to verify your identity primarily to stop fraud, often because someone filed a tax return using your Social Security Number (SSN) without your permission, or due to data discrepancies, a new address, or a previous data breach involving your info. Verification ensures you are the legitimate taxpayer before they process your return, issue refunds, or grant access to your online account, protecting you from identity theft.
The IRS offers only two ways to verify your identity: online at the IRS Identity Verification Service website. by phone at the toll-free number listed on your 5071C Letter.
Should your account be selected for audit, we will notify you by mail. We won't initiate an audit by telephone. Assistance is available to help you understand the letter/notice received: Understanding your IRS notice or letter.
One-time forgiveness, officially known as First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTA), is an IRS program that allows qualified taxpayers to have certain penalties removed from their tax accounts.
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.
To check if a phone call is genuine, watch for red flags like urgency, threats, or requests for immediate payment (especially gift cards/crypto); legitimate callers won't demand sensitive info or pressure you. Hang up and call the organization back using an official number from their website to verify, not one the caller gives you, and be wary of spoofed numbers or strange background noise.
IRS agents may call to confirm an appointment or discuss items for a scheduled audit, after an initial letter or notice. Taxpayers should know: The IRS doesn't leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages. Scammers will falsely tell victims if they do not call back, a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
Be ready to verify your identity when calling the IRS
ID.me handles your biometric information carefully.
The platform might use such information (fingerprints, facial features, etc), to verify your identity for partners, including the IRS. However, it will never sell, rent, or trade your biometric information.
Self–Service: The fastest method to verify; usually takes 5-10 minutes. For step-by-step instructions, visit Verifying your identity with ID.me Self-Service. Video call: You will upload your document, then join a quick video call.
It's about protecting you from scammers who may try to set up an account in your name to access your information and benefits. After you verify your identity, you won't have to do it again for that account unless you lose access to your account's multifactor authentication method or need to recreate your account.
Wait for IRS processing
After you complete your verification, the IRS will continue processing your tax return. Refunds may still take up to 9 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case.
The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s, and their systems automatically compare this data to the amounts you report on your tax return. A discrepancy, such as a 1099 that isn't reported on your return, could trigger further review. So, if you receive a 1099 that isn't yours, or isn't correct, don't ignore it.
You know you're being scammed on the phone if the caller uses high-pressure tactics, demands immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers, asks for sensitive personal info (SSN, bank details), threatens arrest or fines, or offers "too-good-to-be-true" deals, as legitimate organizations won't use these aggressive, unusual methods. Real agencies won't threaten you, demand instant payment, or ask for passwords; they'll let you verify information independently.
The IRS 7-year rule primarily applies to keeping records for claiming a deduction for bad debts or losses from worthless securities, allowing a longer period to file for a credit or refund, but it's not a universal audit limit; it's often a recommended safe buffer for general record-keeping, with the standard IRS audit period usually being 3 years, extending to 6 years for substantial income omission (over 25%) or foreign income issues, and indefinitely for fraud.
The IRS escalates its collection efforts when the amount owed exceeds $25,000, which can result in severe penalties such as asset seizure, bank levy, wage garnishment, and even passport revocation. If you're unsure how much you owe, you can find more information and guidance here.