Does the IRS Send Official Text Messages?

Knowing how the Internal Revenue Service contacts taxpayers is fundamental to protecting your personal and financial information. The agency uses specific methods designed to ensure security and authenticity in all its dealings with the public. This awareness is the first line of defense against fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive data.

Official IRS Communication Channels

The primary method the Internal Revenue Service uses to initiate contact is through physical mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Official notices regarding tax deficiencies, audit selections, or balances due are always sent this way first. These documents, such as a CP2000 notice for underreported income or a Letter 525 for an audit, provide specific details and taxpayer rights.

After this initial paper correspondence, an IRS agent may call to discuss a scheduled audit or a collection matter. In some collection or criminal investigation cases, an agent may make an unannounced in-person visit and will always present their official credentials.

The IRS Stance on Text Messaging

The Internal Revenue Service does not initiate contact with taxpayers via text message to request personal or financial information. Any unsolicited SMS message claiming to be from the IRS about a tax refund, a problem with a tax return, or an economic impact payment is a fraudulent scam. This type of scam is often called “smishing,” a combination of SMS and phishing.

These deceptive texts create a sense of urgency to trick recipients into acting without thinking. Common examples include messages stating, “Your tax refund is pending, click here to claim.” Clicking these links often leads to fake websites designed to capture your Social Security number or bank account details. The IRS does use text messages for multi-factor authentication when you log into an online tool like your IRS Online Account, but this is a security measure you initiate, not unsolicited contact.

Reporting Suspicious IRS Communications

If you receive a text message that appears to be from the IRS, do not reply to it or click on any links. Take a screenshot of the text message, making sure to capture the content and the phone number it came from.

The IRS asks you to report the fraudulent message by emailing the screenshot to [email protected]. Include the date, time, time zone, and the sender’s phone number. You should also report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) through its website or fraud hotline. After reporting the smishing attempt, delete the original text message.