IRS Surprise Visit

[windmill]

Client calls yesterday and says he found a note on his front door from the IRS. Note says
this is very important and you should call this number on Sept 24 between 1pm and 1:10pm. Signed by agent. Client has a home office. I expect this to be a verification of home office. Any other thoughts???

[BOB W]

These type of visits are usually associated with delinquent taxes, 1040 or 941 type. But it could be what you say, home office, but I have never seen that without an audit.

[barbara]

I will play devil's advocate. I would be concered that this note could be a fake. In the area I live there are some home invasions based on people getting into your home. IRS or not I would be very careful and check with the IRS (using a published number) before I called the number on the note. Then check ID of the people wanting entrance to my home. Also I would not be alone with them. Sorry that I feel this way but I don't want to take any chances.

[Luis Mopeo]

I will play devil's advocate. I would be concered that this note could be a fake. In the area I live there are some home invasions based on people getting into your home. IRS or not I would be very careful and check with the IRS (using a published number) before I called the number on the note. Then check ID of the people wanting entrance to my home. Also I would not be alone with them. Sorry that I feel this way but I don't want to take any chances.

I agree. This sounds phishy. A surprise visit? I've never heard of that other than CID. If it was CID, it wouldn't make sense that they'd announce their presence.

Call between 1:00 and 1:10 next Monday? Maybe it's legit, but I'd be worried about people trying to match up personal information.

Call the IRS.

[outwest]

Could be legit..

In our area, I'm personally aware of:
--10 year non-filer taxpayer getting a knock on the door from a collections agent.
--Corporation behind on payroll tax deposits getting a visit from Collections.
--2nd Corporation behind on payroll tax deposits getting a visit from collections.
--IRS agent coming to our office to inquire as to location of former client. (Got the bankruptcy notice yesterday on unpaid fees)

It can happen.

FYI, only one of these was a existing client, the others hired me after the fact to help help make the best of their mess.

[Roland Slugg]

Doesn't pass the smell test

A note on the door? A 10-minute time window? I would also be highly suspicious of this. Call the IRS, but don't call the number on the note. Consider calling the local police or sheriff, too.

[bertrans]

I will play devil's advocate. I would be concered that this note could be a fake. In the area I live there are some home invasions based on people getting into your home. IRS or not I would be very careful and check with the IRS (using a published number) before I called the number on the note. Then check ID of the people wanting entrance to my home. Also I would not be alone with them. Sorry that I feel this way but I don't want to take any chances.

I agree completely with your analysis. The IRS simply does not work that way: there would be letters and/or calls establishing the appointment. This is true not merely of Revenue Agents (i.e. auditors) but also Revenue Officers (i.e. collections.)

[bertrans]

In our area, I'm personally aware of:
--10 year non-filer taxpayer getting a knock on the door from a collections agent.
--Corporation behind on payroll tax deposits getting a visit from Collections.
--2nd Corporation behind on payroll tax deposits getting a visit from collections.
--IRS agent coming to our office to inquire as to location of former client. (Got the bankruptcy notice yesterday on unpaid fees)

It can happen.

FYI, only one of these was a existing client, the others hired me after the fact to help help make the best of their mess.

I must assume that you are referring to large amounts to be collected, in a situation where the RO deemed 'the collection of the Government's money to be in jeopardy.' PLUS: between 1:00pm and 1:10pm?????????

[outwest]

Common thread was..

large amounts due for multiple periods.

As to the limited period to call, could indicate a phony. I guess I wasn't thinking so much of that as trying to point out that IRS agents sometimes do get out and about. So just in case it is legit, do the standard stuff. Get a POA, call the local IRS office and see if it's one of their phone numbers, if so see if the agent is there, etc.

If it's not one of theirs and the agent doesn't exist, they (and the FBI) will get the ball rolling on the impersonation issue.

[oceanlovin'ea]

Notices first

I was at the IRS forum in Orlando this week. At a focus meeting, one man told of IRS agents coming to a TP's office because of delinquent payroll taxes. BUT this was after the man had received many notices and had ignored them.

If you have not had any other contact with IRS about a return or compliance issue, I too would be very suspicious of this note and call the authorities so they can catch this person before he gets to someone who will believe him.

Linda F

[alliedtaxes]

This does happen from time to time, especially for state-related income tax. What state was this person in?

[geekgirldany]

I've had a state employee/agent come to a customer's office because of past due payroll taxes. He owes on the IRS for several years of payroll taxes but has kept up with current payments. One of the times I called the IRS the Tax Prac office about past due tax she said that his account was being assigned to an agent and may possibly come for a visit. That was three years ago.

THe time to call sounds strange. Everyone else is correct on what to do.