The IRS does not send unsolicited emails, and any email claiming to be from the IRS is almost certainly a scam.

The Internal Revenue Service has a strict policy: it does not initiate contact with taxpayers through email, text message, or social media. If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS, asking you to click a link, download an attachment, or provide personal information, it is fraudulent. The IRS begins contact by mail, using a physical letter sent to your address on file.

This distinction matters because email scams impersonating the IRS are among the most common tax-related frauds. They often create urgency by claiming you owe money, have a refund waiting, or face legal action. The goal is to trick you into revealing your Social Security number, bank account details, or login credentials.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS never sends unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages — it contacts taxpayers only by mail.
  • Any email claiming to be from the IRS and asking you to act is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal information.
  • If you receive a suspicious email, do not click links or download attachments; instead, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.
  • The IRS will never ask for your password, PIN, or full Social Security number in any communication.
  • If you think you owe taxes or are owed a refund, contact the IRS directly using the phone number on your tax return or at irs.gov.

How the IRS actually contacts you

When the IRS needs to reach you, it sends a letter to the mailing address you provided on your tax return or that is on file with the agency. The letter will have an official IRS letterhead, an IRS address, and a phone number you can call. The IRS may contact you about a tax bill, a refund status, a discrepancy in your return, or a request for more information.

If you are expecting contact from the IRS — for example, because you know you made an error on your return or because you are in a payment plan — a letter is the only legitimate way the agency will reach out. You can also check your account status yourself by logging into IRS.gov using your credentials, or by calling the IRS directly at the number on your most recent tax return or notice.

Red flags that an email is a scam

Scammers impersonating the IRS use several common tactics. They may claim you have a refund waiting and ask you to "verify" your information by clicking a link. They may say you owe back taxes and threaten legal action or wage garnishment if you do not pay immediately. They may ask you to update your banking information or confirm your identity by providing your Social Security number.

Legitimate IRS communications will never ask you to click a link in an email, download software, or provide sensitive information like your password or full Social Security number. The IRS will not threaten you with arrest, deportation, or license suspension in an email. If an email creates a sense of panic or urgency, it is almost certainly fraudulent.

Watch for spelling errors, generic greetings like "Dear Taxpayer" instead of your name, or sender addresses that do not match irs.gov. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to official ones — for example, irs-refund.com or irs-payment.net — but are not actually IRS domains.

What to do if you receive a suspicious email

Do not click any links, download any attachments, or reply to the email. Do not call any phone number listed in the email. Instead, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov, which is the IRS's official reporting address for fraudulent messages. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

If you are concerned that your personal information may have been compromised — for example, if you already clicked a link or provided details — contact your bank and credit card companies right away. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

How to verify IRS contact is real

If you receive a letter claiming to be from the IRS and you are unsure whether it is genuine, you can verify it without using any contact information in the letter itself. Go to irs.gov and use the "Where's My Refund?" tool or the "What You Owe" tool to check your account status. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, which is the official IRS customer service line listed on the agency's website.

Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount shown on your most recent tax return ready when you call. The IRS representative can tell you whether the agency has sent you a notice and what it concerns. If you are working with a tax professional or attorney, you can also ask them to contact the IRS on your behalf.

Protecting yourself from tax-related scams

Beyond email scams, fraudsters use other methods to target taxpayers. Phone scams are common — someone calls claiming to be from the IRS and threatens arrest or legal action unless you pay immediately. Text message scams direct you to fake websites that look like irs.gov but steal your login information. Social media scams offer fake tax refund services or claim you can reduce your tax bill through schemes that are actually illegal.

The best protection is to remember that the IRS initiates contact by mail, never by email, phone, text, or social media. If you have questions about your taxes or account status, you contact the IRS — the IRS does not contact you first through digital channels. Keep your computer and phone secure by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication on accounts that offer it, and keeping your operating system and antivirus software up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the IRS ever send me an email?

No. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails to taxpayers under any circumstances. If you have created an account on irs.gov and you log in yourself, you may see messages within your account, but the IRS will not email you first. Any email claiming to be from the IRS is fraudulent.

I clicked a link in an IRS scam email. What should I do?

Contact your bank and credit card companies immediately and let them know you may have been exposed to fraud. Place a fraud alert on your credit report by calling Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Is it safe to click a link if the email address looks like it's from the IRS?

No. Scammers can make email addresses and websites look very similar to official IRS addresses. Never click links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS. Instead, go directly to irs.gov by typing the address into your browser, or call 1-800-829-1040 to verify whether the IRS has contacted you.

What if I'm not sure whether a letter I received is really from the IRS?

Check the letter for an official IRS address and a phone number. Then go to irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040 using the number on the IRS website — not the number in the letter. Provide your Social Security number and filing information, and the IRS can confirm whether it sent the letter and what it concerns.

Can I report a scam email to the IRS?

Yes. Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov. The IRS uses these reports to track scam patterns and warn the public. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, which investigates fraud complaints and shares information with law enforcement.