The IRS announced it is ending the practice of unannounced visits from its revenue officers. The policy change is due to the rise in tax scams and taxpayer confusion over verifying an IRS employee’s identity, leading to safety concerns for both taxpayers and IRS employees. This is good news for taxpayers since they will no longer be caught off guard and unprepared to discuss their unpaid taxes. Additionally, there is the benefit of an improved taxpayer experience when taxpayers receive advance notice and other information in the mail.

The end of unannounced visits does not mean revenue officers have stopped working outstanding tax due cases. It just changes the way they contact taxpayers in person. In the past, a revenue officer would conduct a preliminary investigation and then visit the taxpayer’s home or place of business unannounced. Now, prior to any face-to-face visit, you will generally (there are some rare exceptions) receive an appointment letter, Letter 725-B. Appointments can be held at the IRS office, your home or business, or by telephone. A revenue officer may request subsequent appointments at your home or place of business to secure additional financial information or view assets.

It’s vitally important that you keep the scheduled appointment or call the revenue officer to reschedule. If you don’t, the IRS might levy your bank account or wages.

How will you or your representative know it is actually the IRS writing or calling? The IRS has published this fact sheet to help. If you have any doubts the person is an actual IRS revenue officer, schedule your appointment in person at the IRS office or request the option of sending any information to the IRS via secure messaging using your online account.
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