IRS mail comes in official government envelopes with the IRS logo. If you get a plain envelope or something suspicious-looking, it's probably a fake IRS letter. You can educate yourself on the latest pervasive tax scams with the annual Dirty Dozen report from the IRS.
Letters and notices
If a taxpayer gets a suspicious letter or notice, they can check to see if it's really the IRS: Log in to their secure IRS Online Account to find a copy of the notice or letter. Contact IRS customer service to verify it, if they weren't able to do so in their Online Account.
Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes any steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return.
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.
Characteristics of an Official IRS Audit Letter
Within this envelope, you'll find crucial details such as your name, taxpayer identification number (usually your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number), the tax year being audited, and a unique notice or identification number specific to your case.
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.
Look for the official IRS logo and letterhead, including the correct address and phone number. 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.
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.
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.
The IRS symbol or the IRS Eagle itself represents the United States. The scales of justice instill the idea that the Service's operations will be conducted in a fair and honest way. The decorative olive branch fills out the left side of the symbol and represents peace and conciliation.
The IRS sends out an EIN confirmation letter for every EIN application it processes. This EIN confirmation letter is called CP 575, and the IRS only mails the letter to the mailing address listed on line 4 of the SS-4 application.
If you receive an IRS notice or letter
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.
THESE ARE FRAUDS. PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION IN YOUR DEALINGS WITH ANYONE PURPORTING TO BE FROM A GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND DEMANDING MONEY OR INFORMATION.
We typically contact you the first time through regular U.S. mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. To verify the IRS sent the letter or notice, you can search for it on IRS.gov. Some letters are sent from private collection agencies.
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.
Overestimating home office expenses and charitable contributions are red flags to auditors. Simple math mistakes and failing to sign a tax return can trigger an audit and incur penalties. Taxpayers should report all income from Form W-2, Form 1099, and any cash earnings.
Form 1040 is used by U.S. taxpayers to file an annual income tax return.
Usually, the IRS sends certified letters to inform taxpayers of issues that need attention. Some common reasons for certified letters include an outstanding balance, refund issues, return questions, identification verification, missing information, return changes, and processing delays.
You may receive a notice or letter asking you to verify your identity and tax return information with the IRS. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund.
Some IRS notices are sent via certified mail, such as the Notice of Intent to Levy, while others are mailed via regular post, like changes made to your tax return. Read all IRS letters and notices you receive, both certified and via regular mail. Do not ignore any of them.
The IRS performs audits by mail or in person. The notice you receive will have specific information about why your return is being examined, what documents if any they need from you, and how you should proceed. Once the IRS completes the examination, it may accept your return as filed or propose changes.
6 years - If you don't report income that you should have reported, and it's more than 25% of the gross income shown on the return, or it's attributable to foreign financial assets and is more than $5,000, the time to assess tax is 6 years from the date you filed the return.
If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice. This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.