A Step-by-Step Guide

Receiving a call from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether it’s about taxes owed, a potential audit, or simply verifying information, the fear of making a mistake looms large. But don’t panic—knowing how to handle such a call is the key to staying calm and in control. In this blog, we’ll break down what to do if the IRS contacts you and how to protect yourself from potential scams.

Verify the Call

The first thing to do when you receive a call claiming to be from the IRS is to verify its legitimacy. The IRS typically initiates contact by mail, not phone calls. If you haven’t received prior correspondence, be skeptical. Here’s what to look for:

Caller’s Name & Badge Number: Ask for the caller’s name and badge number. A legitimate IRS representative will always provide this.
Hang Up & Call Back: If you’re uncertain, hang up and call the IRS directly at their official number (1-800-829-1040). This ensures you’re talking to an actual IRS agent, not a scammer.

Don’t Provide Sensitive Information

If the caller demands immediate payment, personal information, or sensitive financial details, it’s likely a scam. The IRS will never:

Demand payment via a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer.
Threaten to involve law enforcement or arrest you for non-payment.
Ask for your Social Security number, credit card information, or bank account over the phone.

Protect yourself by refusing to provide any personal information. Even if the call seems legitimate, only share information through secure, official channels.

Know Your Rights as a Taxpayer

As a taxpayer, you have specific rights that the IRS must respect. According to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the IRS must:

Treat you fairly and with respect.
Inform you of any actions being taken on your account.
Give you the right to appeal and dispute any findings.
Provide clear explanations for any tax decisions.

If an IRS agent is pressuring or intimidating you, stand firm. You have the right to ask for a supervisor, request written documentation, or consult with a tax professional.

Take Notes During the Call

If you do verify that the call is from the IRS, make sure you:

Write Down Details: Take notes on the reason for the call, any information requested, and the actions they expect from you.
Ask for Next Steps in Writing: Always ask for confirmation of the issue in writing. The IRS should send official documentation detailing your situation.

This will help you track and follow up on any requests and prevent any misunderstandings later.

Consider Consulting a Professional

If you’re unsure how to respond or feel overwhelmed by the situation, consider seeking professional advice. A tax professional, like those at Kurpas Solutions, can:

Review the details of your situation.
Help you understand your rights.
Communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf, saving you time and stress.

Tax professionals are equipped to handle complex situations and ensure that you’re protected from any unfair treatment or errors.

Beware of Scams

Unfortunately, IRS phone scams have become increasingly common. Scammers often impersonate IRS agents to trick individuals into paying fake debts or providing personal information. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Know the Signs: Scammers often use aggressive language, demand immediate payment, and refuse to answer questions. The IRS will never behave this way.
Hang Up & Report the Scam: If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately. You can report scam calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov.

Stay Calm and Follow the Process

Dealing with the IRS can feel intimidating, but remember that you have control over the situation. Stay calm, gather information, and take steps to verify and address the issue. With the right approach, you can manage any IRS communication with confidence.

Conclusion: You Have Options

If the IRS calls you, don’t panic. Always verify the call, avoid giving out sensitive information, and know your rights as a taxpayer. If the situation feels overwhelming, consult with a tax professional who can guide you through the process. At Kurpas Solutions, we’re here to help you navigate IRS communication, offering personalized advice and professional support.

Make sure you’re prepared—because when it comes to taxes, knowledge is your best defense.

One thing Holding You Back In 2024

Breaking Free: Unveiling the Barriers to Success in 2024

The Real Culprit: Overcoming Self-Sabotage for a Successful 2024

It’s a new year, and millions of Americans have made resolutions – be it working out, eating healthier, or finally shedding that lingering 20 lbs from Thanksgiving and Christmas. Or perhaps it’s a resolve to recover from the financial aftermath of Christmas. (I’m never going to financially recover from this). It’s time for a change, to approach things differently this year! In this video, I’ll share with you the 3 things holding you back from being successful in 2024.

Financial Freedom: Escaping the “Buy Now, Pay Later” Culture

Exploring the impact of the “I want it now” mentality on financial well-being.

So, what’s really hindering us every single year? I’ll let you in on a big secret – it’s ME! Well, not me in your case; in your case, it’s you! (Huh, cat meme). Let me explain a bit about what I mean. In the US, there is a big culture of “I want it, and I want it now.” The amount of credit card offers we get in the mail every single week – just think about all those trees wasted! Every time you shop online, there’s always the option of “buy now and pay later.” But why are we buying things if we can’t afford to pay for them now? That’s because no one told us about delayed gratification; everyone just wants that dopamine hit now. Let’s stop buying into the lies that drowning in credit card debt is normal and just a part of the “American Dream”. Let’s go against the mainstream and only buy things that we can afford to buy in full, not just afford the monthly payment!

Rising Above Comparison: Embracing Your Unique Journey

Addressing the pitfalls of comparing oneself to others, especially in the age of social media.

Now, the 2nd thing we need to address is that pesky little thing we all love to do – compare ourselves to others. You know what they say, the grass is always greener on the other side. Most humans like to measure their success in comparison to others, and you know what they say – comparison is the thief of joy. With the rise of social media influencers showing only the best highlights of their lives – sitting on the beach, or traveling the world with their perfect little family – our own lives could sometimes seem a bit mundane or boring. But we never know what goes on behind the scenes. So, let’s shift the focus to just ourselves away from others and only compare yourself to the person you were yesterday, last week, or last year, and celebrate the little things!

Navigating Success: Setting SMART Goals for a Purposeful 2024

Guidance on setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for the year ahead.

Imagine you’re in a race with thousands of people, but you have no idea where the finish line is, so you start following the crowd and end up getting lost. Often, that’s what happens in our lives – we have no idea where we are going and just end up following the mainstream. What I’m trying to get at is that we need to set goals for just about every aspect of our lives to be successful. Because if you don’t know where you’re going, you sure as heck don’t know how to get there either. Don’t let your goal be something vague like “I want to save more money” or “I want to lose weight.” Be specific and follow the SMART goal method. For example, instead of “I want to save more money,” say “I want to save $5,000 by the end of 2024.” Then break that goal down – $5,000/12 is $417 per month or $105 per week. That doesn’t seem as scary when you break it down and do the math.

Watch the Video!

#FinancialAdvice

What to Do If the IRS Calls You