IRS Home Visits: Getting a visit from the IRS can sound scary, but most people who owe federal taxes won’t suddenly find an IRS employee standing at their door. In most cases, the IRS first sends letters and tries to contact the taxpayer by phone.
In some cases, however, the problem stays unresolved for too long. The IRS may then assign a Revenue Officer to the case. These employees deal with unpaid taxes and tax returns that a person was required to file but never submitted.
Who may get an IRS visit?
A Revenue Officer may get involved when a taxpayer has ignored several IRS notices, has a large unpaid tax balance or still has required returns that haven’t been filed.
These visits aren’t limited to one city or state. The same IRS collection rules apply across the country. So people in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, New York or Chicago can all face the same process.
Still, an IRS visit doesn’t automatically mean the government is about to take someone’s property. A Revenue Officer may simply review the unpaid amount, check missing returns and talk about ways to settle the tax debt.
The IRS says possible solutions can include payment plans and other collection options. More serious steps can happen when a taxpayer doesn’t resolve the debt. These can include a federal tax lien, a levy on money or assets and in some cases seizure of property.
Most IRS visits are now scheduled
The IRS changed its policy in 2023 and ended most surprise visits by Revenue Officers. Instead, taxpayers generally receive Letter 725-B before an in-person meeting is arranged.
The letter gives the meeting details and contact information for the officer handling the case. The meeting may happen at an IRS office, at a person’s home or business or by phone. Taxpayers can also contact the officer to confirm or reschedule the appointment.
The change was made partly because criminals had been pretending to be IRS employees at people’s homes. The IRS said ending most unannounced visits would reduce confusion and improve safety for taxpayers and employees.
There are still some exceptions. Unscheduled contact can happen in certain enforcement cases involving actions such as summonses or seizures. These aren’t normal routine visits.
How to check if the person is really from the IRS
Anyone claiming to be an IRS employee should be checked before personal or financial information is shared.
Revenue Officers carry official government identification. Taxpayers can ask to see their credentials and can use IRS verification methods to confirm the employee’s identity. The IRS also advises people to be careful with anyone making threats or demanding immediate payment.
The IRS doesn’t first contact taxpayers about tax bills or refunds through social media, text messages or email. Taxpayers can also log in to their IRS Online Account to check notices or contact the IRS directly to confirm a communication.
