Received Mail from the IRS – What To Do

You’re sorting through your mail when you spot an envelope from the IRS. Surprise letters like this can be nerve-wracking — is it legit or a scam?

Let’s recap the best way to go about managing your mail from the IRS.

1. Open it right away

You will want to open it as soon as possible to ensure that anything time-sensitive can be taken care of. You don’t want to miss a response window that could affect your taxes or account.

2. Read it thoroughly

Go through the letter and any additional documents carefully and in its entirety. The IRS is often straightforward about what they need and why. This could be items such as payments, clarification, or notices. But how do we know it’s real?

3. Check for red flags

Inspect all parts on the documents. You can often catch a scammer by noticing fraudulent details such as:

• Incorrect or suspicious return addresses
• Grammar or spelling errors
• Unusual QR codes or links
• Requests for payment or personal information in an unusual way

If you’re still unsure, you can always verify it on the official IRS Website or by calling their number directly from a trusted source.

4. Take action (if required)

Once you have confirmed it is a legitimate document from the IRS, verify if it needs any action such as making payments or sending documents. Be sure to file it safely for recordkeeping in case it’s needed in the future.

Opening mail from the IRS doesn’t have to be intimidating. By knowing what to look for and how to respond, you can stay one step ahead — and keep your peace of mind.