IRS Ends Most Unannounced Revenue Officer Visits

In order to reduce public confusion, IRS is ending most unannounced visits to taxpayers by revenue officers. The growth in scam artists posing as IRS agents and appearing at taxpayers’ doors has increased confusion for taxpayers as well as for local law enforcement.

Commenting on this change, Commissioner Werfel said, "These visits created extra anxiety for taxpayers already wary of potential scam artists...At the same time, the uncertainty around what IRS employees faced when visiting these homes created stress for them as well. This is the right thing to do and the right time to end it."

There will still be extremely limited situations where visits will occur. These include the service of summonses and subpoenas; and also enforcement activities involving seizure of assets, especially those at risk of being placed beyond the reach of the government.

In place of the unannounced visits, revenue officers will make contact with taxpayers through an appointment letter, known as a 725-B, and taxpayers will be able to schedule a follow-up face-to-face meeting. Read the full announcement here.