IRS Backpedals on First Calling Taxpayers that are Subject to an Audit

Posted on May 24, 2016

We previously reported that the IRS has begun initiating some audits by telephone depending on the state in which you live.

Previously, the IRS only contacted taxpayers for purpose of an audit by mail and not by telephone. This has caused some confusion insofar as the IRS itself and, specifically, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, have for years warned taxpayers about telephone scams, insisting that the IRS will not initiate contact by telephone and that an unexpected call from the IRS is all but certainly a scam.

In response to public concerns, the IRS backpedaled from their prior position, stating that it will begin notifying taxpayers of an audit first by letter “in an abundance of caution and on light of pervasive phone scams seeking to extort money from taxpayers.” Under the revised protocol, the IRS will first contact taxpayers subject to audit via mail and will then contact them telephonically to schedule an appointment.

It is unclear whether the IRS will amend the Internal Revenue Manual that was recently changed to allow Revenue Agents to initiate some audits by telephone.

If you have a problem with the IRS, call us, we can help.