The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) warns taxpayers of various scams to watch out for throughout the year. In addition to issuing these warnings, the agency also takes steps to help mitigate the risk of these scams. The agency recently released information about one such step, stating that it will greatly reduce its use of in-person, surprise visits to taxpayers.
This means the odds that an IRS agent will come knocking at your door just got a whole lot lower.
The change focuses on IRS Revenue Officers. These are agents who deal with collection efforts, not auditors or those who gather information and investigate potential tax issues. The move serves two key goals.
#1: Safety.
The primary goal is safety of IRS agents and taxpayers. Not surprisingly, unannounced visits put agents at risk.
The change also reduces the stress and confusion that comes for taxpayers who are trying to figure out if the person knocking on their door claiming to be an IRS agent is legit or a fraud. Based on this change, the odds are high that if there was not a scheduled visit the individual knocking on your door is fraud because the agency will send an appointment letter. This official correspondence, also known as a 725-B letter, will explain the need for an in person visit and information on how to make an appointment.
This means if someone is ringing your doorbell unannounced and claiming they are with the IRS, it may be wise to call authorities.
#2: Efficiency.
The move will also allow the federal agency to better use funding provided under the Inflation Reduction Act. Instead of putting it towards hiring agents to make house calls they can use the funds in ways that may help the agency and taxpayers alike, like an investment in better software.
One note of caution: as noted above the move does not affect auditors. This means a tax auditor could still come to your door. It is a red flag if the IRS chooses to send an agent to conduct an audit because it means the feds likely believe there are large sums at issue and the potential of criminal activity. The attorneys at Goldburd McCone are familiar with these types of situations and can help to better ensure your interests are protected throughout the process — from investigation to litigation.