Does the IRS call you on the phone?

The IRS does not initiate contact by phone to demand payment. The IRS will always send a letter by mail first. Any threatening phone call claiming to be the IRS is a scam.

Does the IRS accept gift card payments?

No. The IRS never accepts payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS only accepts payments through irs.gov/payments, IRS Direct Pay, or checks mailed to the IRS.

How do I report an IRS scam?

Report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General at 1-800-366-4484 or at tigta.gov. You can also report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

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Is This IRS Email a Scam? How to Tell

IRS scams are among the most frightening because they use threats of arrest, fines, and legal action. Scammers impersonate IRS agents via phone calls, texts, and emails to steal Social Security numbers, tax information, and payments.

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Common IRS Scam Types

Threatening phone calls demanding immediate payment

Tax refund phishing emails

"Tax transcript" malware emails

Identity verification scam texts

Fake IRS audit notification letters

ERC/Employee Retention Credit scams

Example Scam Messages

These are examples of fake messages impersonating IRS. Never click links in unsolicited messages.

“IRS: You have an outstanding tax balance of $4,827. Failure to pay within 24 hours will result in a federal warrant for your arrest. Call immediately: 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX”

“IRS.gov: Your tax refund of $2,347.00 is ready for processing. Verify your banking details to receive your refund: irs-refund-process.com”

Red Flags to Watch For

The IRS NEVER initiates contact via phone, text, or email to demand payment
The IRS NEVER threatens arrest or law enforcement action over the phone
The IRS NEVER demands payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
The IRS will always send official mail first for any tax issues
Caller ID showing "IRS" means nothing — it's easily spoofed

Legitimate IRS Contact Info

Visit irs.gov only. Call 1-800-829-1040 for individual tax questions. Check refund status at irs.gov/refunds. The IRS initiates most contacts through physical mail sent by USPS.