Instead, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to verify if they sent the letter. Review the Content: Genuine IRS letters will include specific details about your tax situation, such as tax owed, tax return information, or requests for information. Scams often contain threats or urgent demands for payment.
The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account.
Tax audit letters will include your name, tax ID number or Social Security number, employee ID number, address and contact information. Typically, an IRS audit letter will call out that your tax return from a certain year has been flagged for examination.
You can find digital copies of most IRS notices in your online account, under the 'Notices and Letters' section.
We may send you a notice or letter if: You have a balance due. Your refund has changed. We have a question about your return.
bad spelling and grammar. poor quality logos, design and photography.
The IRS will issue these balance due notices and letters in gradual stages in 2024 to ensure taxpayers who have questions or need help are able to reach an IRS assistor. This will also provide additional time for tax professionals assisting taxpayers.
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.
If we take money from a federal payment to pay an overdue debt that you owe, you will get a letter notifying you of the offset.
Most IRS audits reach back a maximum of three years, meaning any tax returns you filed during the previous three years may be included in the audit. However, while three years is the typical cut-off point, there are also some situations in which the IRS will extend or even double the standard audit period.
The IRS is a government agency and the audit letter is sent by certified mail. It is important to respond within the time frame indicated. Consulting with a tax professional is recommended to understand the specific issues and provide accurate information.
The US Postal Service has a tracking tool that lets you know when you can expect your tax refund to land in your mailbox. It's called Informed Delivery, and the free service sends you alerts for all new mail -- and transmits images of the front of letters so you know exactly what's arriving.
Here are the identity fraud letters the IRS may send to taxpayers: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft with Online Option. This letter asks the taxpayer to use an online tool to verify their identity and tell the IRS if they filed that return. Letter 4883C, Potential Identity Theft.
The masked SSN displays only the last four digits of an individual's identifying number and is shown in the format XXX-XX-1234 or ***-**-1234. IRS masked and/or removed SSNs on numerous taxpayer-sensitive collection and enforcement-related notices and letters.
Check the letter for identifying features
Dates should be recent, accurate, and accurately formatted (month spelled out), and they should include official IRS security or file numbers you can refer to for more information. A fake letter won't have this information.
Common reasons for IRS letters include: You have a balance due on your taxes. Your refund amount differs from your tax returns. The IRS has a question about your tax return.
When you receive an IRS audit letter, it will clearly list your full name, taxpayer/SS ID number, form number, IRS employee ID number, and IRS contact information. This letter should clearly identify the primary reason for the audit and what documents you will be expected to provide.
Spotting the scam
HMRC does usually request information from companies by letter or via a business tax account, rather than by email. However, HMRC email addresses end @hmrc.gov.uk, while the email address used in these fraudulent letters is: companies-review@hmrc-taxchecks.org.
The special reminder letters, which will be arriving in mailboxes over the next few weeks, are being sent to people who appear to qualify for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but haven't yet filed a 2021 return to claim them.
THESE ARE FRAUDS. PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION IN YOUR DEALINGS WITH ANYONE PURPORTING TO BE FROM A GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND DEMANDING MONEY OR INFORMATION.
What if you don't respond. If you don't respond within 30 days from the date printed on your notice, we will send you and updated audit report showing the proposed changes to your tax return. This may include additional tax for repayment of the APTC and any applicable penalties and interest.