If you are aware of your rights as a taxpayer, you will be able to protect them. When it comes to dealing with the IRS, it is important for the taxpayer to know about their fundamental right. If the correspondence does not have these crucial details, it should raise an alarm. Both these details will be printed at the top right hand corner of the letter. In addition to this, real IRS letters will also note the tax year or period during which it has noticed issues with your tax return. When the IRS sends you a letter, it will mention your tax ID number on the letter in a truncated form. If you don’t find the seal and the number on the letter, it is most likely to be a fake letter and scam. You’ll find the number at the top right hand corner of the letter or the notice. If it is legitimate, the letter will carry the IRS seal as well as a notice or letter number. If you have received a letter which says it is from the IRS, you should first see if it is inside a government envelope. Given below are some of the most tell-tale signs that you can use to differentiate between real and fake IRS letters. So, you should be careful enough to identify the signs of fake IRS letters and notices to stay safe. Many people have already fallen prey to such scams as well as have reported such incidences to the IRS.

If you can’t tell between real and fake letters, you may fall into the trap of scammers, who are trying to get your money through fraudulent means. Most taxpayers have a hard time differentiating between what is legitimate and what is a scam. However, it is crucial to verify whether the IRS letters you have received are real or fake. Usually, getting these letters means that the IRS has spotted inaccuracies on a return or wants to inform you about a balance due or an overpaid tax. There are several reasons for getting an IRS letter. Well, that deadline they are making reference to is actually the 16th of October this year, which is for taxpayers who solicited an extension to file their taxes,' Castro said.Have you received a tax notice from the IRS? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sends notices and bills to alert taxpayers of discrepancies with their account or tax return. 'It has a deadline of October 17 mentioned in the letter. Provides incorrect information about tax return deadlines.

It falsely claims that the IRS is managing 'unclaimed property'.

The letter contains grammatical errors and makes odd-sounding requests.

It requests your cellphone number, bank routing information, social security number, and type of bank account you have.

Several red flags to watch out for with these scam letters are: 'Number one, it has the IRS logo, but on the upper right hand side, it doesn't have any information, which usually our letters do have the CP notice and other information on the upper right hand corner,' Castro said. Identity thieves can potentially use this information to steal your tax refund and other essential financial details.Īccording to Alejandra Castro, an IRS spokesperson, there are certain things about these fake letters that should make you suspicious. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. Get South Florida local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox.

Fake irs letter envelope