Are you wondering if you can call the IRS? The answer is yes, you can always contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. However, it's important to note that the IRS does not use email, text messaging, or social media to discuss tax debts or refunds with taxpayers. In some cases, IRS employees may make official and sometimes unannounced visits to discuss taxes due or returns due as part of an audit or investigation. It's important to note that debt collectors must respect your rights and follow the rules of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act when trying to collect your tax debt.
These audits are generally limited to high-net-worth companies and individuals, and the IRS would formally announce the audit by mail, with a request for information. The code addresses issues such as your right to be informed, to receive quality service, not to pay more than the right amount of taxes you owe, and to challenge the IRS if you disagree with their position. As part of phishing schemes, scammers sometimes ask taxpayers about a wide range of topics, such as refunds, marital status, confirmation of personal information, ordering transcripts, and verifying personal identification numbers. Each state has at least one local Taxpayer Advocacy Service center that is separate from the local IRS office and reports to the national Taxpayer Advocacy Service.
When you call the IRS, make sure you have a copy of your relevant tax return(s) and notice handy. You may also want to consider hiring an accountant or tax preparer who can call (and wait on hold) on your behalf. Expect to pay a fee for their services if you are a new customer, as they will need time to familiarize themselves with your situation before calling. It's also important to be aware of IRS impersonator calls.
These calls can be disturbing because the caller demands payment and threatens legal and criminal consequences. Even so, it's important to stay calm and not give out any personal or financial information. If you're facing an audit or investigation from the IRS, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Learn more about the types of IRS audits and the process for being audited from the tax experts at H&R Block.
You may also want to consider requesting a power of attorney to investigate your IRS account and resolve any tax problems you may be facing. Finally, it's important to remember that while an IRS communication such as a call may be unexpected, the Internal Revenue Service has a job to do. The IRS can only take your paycheck if you have an overdue tax balance and they have sent you a series of notices asking you to pay.
