IRS Code Lookup Call 855-964-5291

IRS letter help

Real or fake? Checking an IRS letter

You are holding a letter that says it is from the IRS, and you are not sure it is real.

A real IRS letter has a CP or LTR number in the top right corner.

Look that number up on irs.gov, or call 800-829-1040, before you scan, pay or call anything on the letter.

Go to the steps

Which numbers matter?

800-829-1040

This is the IRS number to use when a letter looks odd or is not on irs.gov.

Call it yourself, and never use a phone number printed on the letter you doubt.

800-366-4484

This is the Treasury Inspector General hotline for fake IRS letters and calls.

Report the fake letter or call there, and keep a copy of the letter.

What changed recently?

Since March 5, 2026, the IRS Dirty Dozen scam list (IR-2026-30) has a new item #6. It covers abusive undistributed long-term capital gains claims on Form 2439 and replaces the fuel tax credit item.

Source: Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2026 (March 5, 2026).

What does a real notice have?

  • A notice or letter number, such as CP14 or LTR 4883C, in the top right corner.
  • Your tax year and the amount or item in question.
  • Payment instructions that point to irs.gov or to "United States Treasury", never a gift card or a person's name.

The IRS usually contacts you first by U.S. mail. It emails or texts only if you opted in, and a social media message is never from the IRS, per its contact rules.

Which fakes are going around now?

The IRS scam page warns about these mailings:

  • Letters about "digital asset compliance" that send you through a QR code to a fake site copying irs.gov.
  • Mail about an unclaimed refund that asks you to send photos or bank details.
  • Envelopes from an unusual delivery service rather than the Postal Service.

Rita, 68, got a letter with a QR code and a "portal" deadline. It had no notice number in the corner. She did not scan it.

Can I check it in my IRS account?

Sign in to your IRS online account. Many notices appear there too, along with your real balance. If the letter claims you owe and your account shows nothing, treat the letter as suspect.

If you have no account, search the letter number on the IRS notice page. If it is not listed or looks odd, call 800-829-1040. Use only that number, not one printed on the letter you doubt.

How do I report a fake?

  • Fake email: forward it as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov, then delete it.
  • Fake call or letter: report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

The IRS reporting page has the steps for texts and social media too.

What should you read next?

Questions people ask

How do I know if an IRS letter is fake?

Look for the notice number in the top right corner and search it on irs.gov. If it is not listed, call 800-829-1040.

Does the IRS send letters with QR codes?

Some real notices carry a QR code. The IRS warns that fake "digital asset compliance" letters use one too, so check the notice number first.

Will the IRS call me before sending a letter?

Usually not. The IRS says it normally makes first contact by mail.

Where do I report a fake IRS letter?

Report a fake letter or call to the Treasury Inspector General at 800-366-4484. Send fake emails to phishing@irs.gov.

Sources

Last checked October 2026

What to do now

  1. Find the CP or LTR number in the top right corner of the letter.
  2. Search that number on the IRS notice page, or sign in to your IRS online account.
  3. If the number is missing or looks odd, call 800-829-1040, not a number on the letter.
  4. Report a fake letter to 800-366-4484 and forward fake emails to phishing@irs.gov.

Still not sure the letter is real? Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and use that number, not one printed on the letter you doubt.