How can I tell whether an IRS letter is real before I do something reckless with it?

Question

AcadiFi · Accepted Answer

Treat every unexpected tax notice as unverified until you confirm it through safe channels. Real IRS correspondence can look strange, but the verification process should not start with a suspicious link, QR code, or device included in the package. Instead, compare the notice number, review the taxpayer's IRS account transcript when appropriate, and use official contact information from IRS sources you pull independently.

Suppose Pine Harbor Tax Services receives a letter referencing Notice 4883 with unusual packaging and a removable device enclosed. The right response is not to plug anything in. The practitioner should isolate the item, check the notice format against IRS publications, log into the taxpayer's account through official channels if authorized, and call an IRS number independently sourced from the government site or prior verified correspondence. If the notice cannot be confirmed, the safest assumption is possible fraud.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
  A[Unexpected notice] --> B[Do not click or plug in]
  B --> C[Verify notice number]
  C --> D[Check official IRS channel]
  D --> E[Respond only after confirmation]
```

EA practice questions love calm verification. Panic creates mistakes. A real notice can wait long enough for you to authenticate it properly. Practice more in our EA question bank.

How can I tell whether an IRS letter is real before I do something reckless with it?

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