Spot a fake IRS letter in 2025 by looking for high-pressure threats of immediate arrest, demands for payment via gift cards/wire transfers, and spelling errors. Genuine IRS letters arrive via mail, never email or text, and contain a specific notice number (CP or LTR) and a clear, non-threatening reason for contact. Verify authenticity by checking your secure IRS Online Account or calling the official IRS number.
To tell if an IRS letter is real, check for typos and poor grammar, verify it contains specific personal info (like the last 4 of your SSN), look for an official notice number (CP or LTR) and logo, and ensure it doesn't demand immediate payment via gift cards or threaten arrest, as scammers do. If in doubt, log into your secure IRS Online Account or call an official IRS phone number (not one from the letter) to verify.
Common reasons the IRS may send you a letter
You owe a balance on your tax return and need to make a payment. Your tax refund has been adjusted by the IRS. You have questions on your return that the IRS wants clarified. You need to verify your identity to prevent fraud.
Overview of the deduction
Effective 2025 through 2028, individuals age 65 and older may claim an additional $6,000 deduction. This is in addition to the standard deduction for seniors available under existing law. Applies per eligible individual (or $12,000 for a married couple if both spouses qualify).
An IRS letter typically arrives in a white envelope with the IRS logo, includes a notice or letter number, and clearly states the reason for contact, such as taxes owed or a request for information. If you receive an IRS letter, don't panic. Review it carefully and respond to it as quickly as possible.
Report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Hotline or call 800-366-4484.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will send a notice or a letter for any number of reasons. It may be about a specific issue on your federal tax return or account, or may tell you about changes to your account, ask you for more information, or request a payment.
The IRS mails letters or notices to taxpayers for a variety of reasons including:
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.
IRS phone number - Call wait times
Victims of fake IRS letters may be enticed into providing sensitive personal and financial information, exposing them to identity theft. Scammers may also try to trick taxpayers into making fraudulent payments directly to their bank account instead of the IRS, causing individuals to lose substantial amounts of money.
unfamiliar branding – do you know this company? not using your name – do they really know who you are? bad spelling and grammar. poor quality logos, design and photography.
To tell if an IRS letter is real, check for typos and poor grammar, verify it contains specific personal info (like the last 4 of your SSN), look for an official notice number (CP or LTR) and logo, and ensure it doesn't demand immediate payment via gift cards or threaten arrest, as scammers do. If in doubt, log into your secure IRS Online Account or call an official IRS phone number (not one from the letter) to verify.
To tell if an IRS letter is real, check for typos and poor grammar, verify it contains specific personal info (like the last 4 of your SSN), look for an official notice number (CP or LTR) and logo, and ensure it doesn't demand immediate payment via gift cards or threaten arrest, as scammers do. If in doubt, log into your secure IRS Online Account or call an official IRS phone number (not one from the letter) to verify.
You can find digital copies of most IRS notices in your online account, under the 'Notices and Letters' section.
How to Recognize Suspicious Mail and Packages
Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes specific instructions on what to do. Don't panic. The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies do send letters by mail.
Letters 5071C, Potential Identity Theft During Original Processing with Online Option, is mailed to taxpayers to notify them that the IRS received an income tax return using your name, Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
An IRS audit letter typically contains the taxpayer's name, tax ID number, contact information, and a request for additional documentation to support claims on the tax return. It may also include the name of the IRS officer handling the case and invite the taxpayer to a meeting.
This penalty of 20% or 40% of the increase in tax is due in the case of substantial understatement of tax, substantial valuation misstatements, transfer pricing adjustments, or negligence or disregard of rules or regulations. For example, a valuation overstatement can result in a 30% penalty on the amount of tax owed.