Understanding IRS Calls: What You Need to Know

If you receive a phone call and the person claims to be with the IRS, the first thing you should do is ask for their name and badge number. Do not provide them with any answers to any of their questions or provide any personal information. Write down their name and badge number before you politely end the conversation.

Once you have their name and badge number, you can confirm that it truly is the IRS trying to get in contact with you.  Never return a phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS. Instead, you should call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. If the call is regarding your business then call 800-829-4933. The US Department of Justice says the IRS never discusses personal tax issues through unsolicited emails or texts, or over social media. When in contact with the IRS through an out-bound call, you can confirm the name and badge number of the caller you as well as the legitimacy of the issue.

Additionally, it is important for taxpayers to know that the IRS:

• The IRS never asks for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone.
• An IRS agent never insists that taxpayers use a specific payment method to pay tax obligations
• An IRS agent never requests immediate payment over the telephone and will not take enforcement action immediately following a phone conversation. Taxpayers usually receive prior notification of IRS enforcement action involving IRS tax liens or levies.

If you have received a phone call from the IRS and have confirmed that they have a legitimate inquiry, your first step should be to gather as much pertinent information as you can and then tell them that you’re seeking professional representation before responding. Once you‘ve set that expectation, give us a call at Molen & Associates and we’ll be happy to assist you in the process of responding appropriately so you can put the issue to rest quickly and quietly.

Carrolina Kizzee
Operations Department