The IRS' practice of unannounced visits ended immediately on Monday, in an effort to reduce public confusion and put taxpayer and employee safety first. But the sudden stoppage stemmed from one primary factor − scam artists impersonating IRS agents.
For decades, IRS agents showed up to households and businesses in-person to address tax issues, but the growth in scam artists impersonating IRS agents would often confuse taxpayers and local law enforcement, said Danny Werfel, IRS Commissioner, in a prepared statement.
"These visits created extra anxiety for taxpayers already wary of potential scam artists," Werfel said. "At the same time, the uncertainty around what IRS employees faced when visiting these homes created stress for them as well. This is the right thing to do and the right time to end it."
IRS agents will make in-person visits on the rare occasion an incident requires but will primarily send appointment letters, known as 725-B, to schedule a follow-up meeting, through the U.S. Postal Service.
If an IRS agent does show up in person, you can verify their identity by asking for their IRS-issued credentials, also known as a pocket commission, or ask for their HSPD-12 card, which is an identification for federal employees.
You can also verify an enrolled agent by emailing [email protected], and including the agent's first and last name, and their enrolled agent number. The IRS answers within 72 hours of inquiry.
The IRS does not send text messages or contact people through social media to get personal information or collect a tax debt. They do not demand immediate payment using a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer, or threaten to get law enforcement involved for not paying. They also don't call unexpectedly about a tax refund or demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the chance to question or appeal the amount owed.
Even though in-person unannounced visits have stopped, there are still a plethora of IRS scams that people can fall for via text, email or mail:
If you see an IRS scam, here is how to report it:
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