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

The Internal Revenue Service has a clear 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, it is fraudulent. The IRS contacts people by mail only, and only after you have already received a notice in your mailbox.

Scammers use official-looking IRS logos, urgent language about refunds or unpaid taxes, and links to fake websites designed to look like IRS.gov. Their goal is to steal your Social Security number, bank account information, or login credentials. Thousands of people fall for these emails every year.

The distinction matters because a real IRS notice arrives on paper, has a specific notice number, and tells you exactly what to do next. A fake email creates panic and pressure to act when ready — which is the opposite of how the real IRS works.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS never sends unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages to taxpayers under any circumstance.
  • Real IRS contact always arrives by mail and includes a specific notice number and mailing address you can verify.
  • Phishing emails often claim you owe money, have a refund waiting, or need to update your information when ready.
  • If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from the IRS, forward it to phishing@irs.gov and delete it without clicking any links.
  • You can verify whether the IRS has actually contacted you by logging into your account at IRS.gov or calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

What a real IRS notice looks like

When the IRS needs to contact you, they send a paper letter to the address on file with your tax return. The letter includes a notice number (such as CP2000, CP2015, or Notice 1219), the tax year in question, and specific instructions about what to do next. The letter will have the IRS seal and an official mailing address you can verify on IRS.gov.

Real IRS mail never asks you to click a link, read an attachment, or provide personal information by email. If the IRS needs information from you, the letter will tell you to call a specific phone number, visit IRS.gov, or mail a response to the address printed on the notice. The tone is formal and factual, not urgent or threatening.

Common scam email tactics

Phishing emails claiming to be from the IRS typically use one of a few scenarios. The most common is a fake refund notice — "We have a refund waiting for you, but we need to verify your information first." Another is a threat: "You owe back taxes and must respond within 24 hours or face penalties." A third claims your account has been locked or flagged and you must update your information when ready.

These emails often include a logo that looks like the official IRS seal, a button or link labeled "Verify Your Account" or "Claim Your Refund," and language designed to create fear or excitement. The links lead to websites that mimic IRS.gov but are actually controlled by criminals. When you enter your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank details, the scammers capture that information.

The IRS has published a list of known scam subject lines and tactics on IRS.gov. If an email matches any of these patterns, it is a scam — no exceptions.

How to report a phishing email

If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS, do not click any links or read any attachments. Instead, forward the entire email to phishing@irs.gov. The IRS monitors this inbox and uses reports to track scam campaigns and shut them down.

You can also report the email to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC collects data on scams and shares it with law enforcement. If you have already clicked a link or entered information, report it to both the IRS and the FTC, and then contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them to possible fraud.

Verifying whether the IRS has actually contacted you

If you are unsure whether a notice you received is real, you can verify it without relying on any information in the email itself. Log into your account at IRS.gov using your credentials, then look for any notices or messages in your account. The IRS also maintains a tool called "Get Transcript" that shows your account history and any notices the IRS has sent.

You can also call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the tax year in question ready. The IRS representative can tell you whether they have actually sent you a notice and what it concerns. This is the safest way to confirm contact if you are in doubt.

What to do if you clicked a link or entered information

If you clicked a link in a phishing email or entered your Social Security number, bank account information, or other personal data, act quickly. First, change your password on IRS.gov and any other websites where you use the same password. Then contact your bank and credit card companies to report the potential fraud and ask them to monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.

You may also want to 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. You can place a free alert by calling any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the others automatically.

Report the incident to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Keep records of everything you report, including the date, time, and the name of any representative you speak with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the IRS ever send me an email?

No. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails under any circumstance. If you have an IRS.gov account and you log in voluntarily, you may see messages in your account dashboard, but the IRS will never email you first or ask you to click a link in an email.

What if the email looks exactly like it came from the IRS website?

Scammers can make emails look very official by copying logos, fonts, and formatting from the real IRS website. The way an email looks is not proof it is real. The only proof is that it arrived in your mailbox as a paper letter with a notice number. If it came through email, it is a scam.

I got an email about a refund. Should I click the link to claim it?

No. Do not click the link. If the IRS owes you a refund, they will mail you a check or deposit it directly into your bank account — they will not email you asking you to claim it. Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov and delete it.

What if I am not sure whether I owe taxes?

Log into your IRS.gov account or call 1-800-829-1040 to check your account status. Do not respond to any email claiming you owe money. The IRS will always contact you by mail first, and the letter will include a notice number and specific instructions.