The IRS will not initiate a conversation with a taxpayer by email, text messages or social media channels and request personal or financial information. You know the IRS is contacting you if you receive a letter in the mail. On rare occasion the IRS may call; but you as the taxpayer have the right to verify that call. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone.

People always need to stay a step ahead and be alert to scammers posing as the IRS to steal personal information. Practicing good cybersecurity habits by securing computers, phones, and internet access is vital. Safeguard and protect your personal information by never giving it out unless the site or financial transaction has been verified as reputable and encrypted. Use strong passwords that are at least 10 to 12 characters long and have a number and special character included. Avoid phishing scams which is the easiest way for criminals to steal your personal information; they simply ask for it. Be aware that an unsolicited email with a request to download an attachment or click on a URL can appear to come from a bank, credit card company or co-worker; if it looks suspicious question it. Never open an attachment or click on a URL that you are not expecting or that looks a bit off. It is most likely a phishing scheme. Use security software to protect your computer from viruses, Trojans, and spyware. Never download “security” software from a pop up ad. Reputable security software companies do not advertise in this manner.

How to know it is the IRS contacting you?

The IRS initiates most conversations through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. There are times when an IRS agent will call or come to a home/business; for an overdue tax bill, secure a delinquent tax return or employment tax payment, or to tour a business as part of an audit or investigation. Even in these rare instances the taxpayer will generally first receive letters in the mail from the IRS.

The IRS will not call to demand immediate payment over the phone.

The IRS will not demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.

The IRS will not threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law enforcement to have you arrested for not paying.

The IRS cannot revoke your driver’s license, business license or immigration status.

These threats are common tactics scammers use to trick victims into paying them. Remember to stay alert to tax scams and phishing emails.