I have heard this from clients, associates, even my wife – “The IRS called us today saying we owe taxes – what do we do?”

Here is the scoop direct from the IRS. The IRS will never call or email you requesting money or threatening to send the sheriff if you don’t pay.  They don’t ask for debit cards or other forms of untraceable payments to pay the ‘tax bill.’  The IRS sends you a certified letter if they feel you owe something and give you a chance to appeal the finding before even sending a bill. The only time I know of that they do phone you is to return a call, usually regarding setting an examination date for you.  They only email if you are on one of their email information subscription lists. 

This also goes for the Franchise Tax Board in California, other state tax agencies and utility companies.  They will not call or email you; they will send you a bill with a chance to dispute it, not threaten to have you arrested.

 These scams have been going on for two years, now.  Just remember if the IRS calls, just hang up the phone.

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