What does mail from irs look like
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses various formats and designs for their mailings, but here are some common characteristics and examples of what you might expect:
Letters and Notices:
- Official IRS letterhead with the agency's logo and address
- A clear subject line or title indicating the purpose of the letter (e.g., "Notice of Audit," "Request for Payment," etc.)
- A unique identification number (e.g., CP, Letter 1058, etc.)
- A clear and concise message explaining the reason for the letter or notice
- A specific deadline or action required (if applicable)
- A space for the taxpayer to sign and return the letter (if applicable)
Examples of IRS Mail:
- CP (Notice of Audit): A yellow envelope with a bold, red "CP" stamp. The letter will explain the reason for the audit and provide instructions on how to respond.
- Letter 1058 (Request for Payment): A white envelope with a blue stripe. The letter will request payment for a tax debt and provide instructions on how to pay.
- Letter 2267 (Notice of Proposed Adjustment): A white envelope with a blue stripe. The letter will propose changes to your tax return and provide instructions on how to respond.
- Letter 4883C (Notice of Intent to Levy): A white envelope with a red stripe. The letter will inform you that the IRS intends to levy (seize) your assets to collect a tax debt.
Other IRS Mail:
- Tax Refund Checks: A white envelope with a green stripe. The check will be made payable to the taxpayer and will include a copy of the tax return.
- Tax Transcripts: A white envelope with a blue stripe. The transcript will provide a summary of your tax return and will be used to verify income and tax payments.
- W-2 and 1099 Forms: A white envelope with a blue stripe. These forms will report your income and taxes withheld to the IRS and will be used to prepare your tax return.
Red Flags:
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or mail claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS will never initiate contact with you via email or phone. If you receive such a message, it's likely a scam.
- Be wary of mail that appears to be from the IRS but has poor grammar, spelling, or formatting. Official IRS mail is typically well-written and professional.
- Never respond to unsolicited mail or provide personal information to anyone claiming to be from the IRS.
Remember, if you're unsure about the authenticity of an IRS mailing, you can contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to verify the legitimacy of the letter or notice.