En esta noticia
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can show up at a taxpayer’s home or business as part of its official collection, audit, or investigation procedures.
Those who have received a prior notice by mail should know that the visit is real and backed by law. Ignoring it or mistaking it for a scam can have legal and financial consequences.
In-person visits are rare and are always preceded by a written notification from the Postal Service. Only four types of IRS employees are authorized to appear at a residence: revenue agents, revenue officers, special agents of criminal investigations, and fuel inspectors.
What does it mean to receive an IRS visit notice?
Revenue officers —in charge of handling outstanding debts— send Letter 725-B before showing up or call to coordinate the meeting. Revenue agents, who conduct audits, also contact taxpayers in writing before visiting the home, business, or accounting office.
If there is a debt, payment can be made in cash, by check, or by digital transfer payable to “United States Treasury”. The IRS never asks for gift cards or prepaid debit cards as a form of payment.
How can you tell if an IRS visit is legitimate?
Every authorized employee must present two documents: an IRS credential —pocket commission— and an HSPD-12 card, both with a photo and serial number. The taxpayer has the right to request them before allowing entry.
If the person at the door does not show identification, makes threats, asks for payment through unofficial methods, or directs you to sites other than IRS.gov, it is a scam. If in doubt, the IRS recommends calling 911.