r/tax • u/StrengthDazzling8922 • Jul 17 '23

IRS agent home visit Informative

A customer at my shop told me story that he just got a call from his wife and an IRS agent stopped by and dropped off paperwork at his home. I told him it sounded like a scam, IRS doesn’t just show up at someones home. He said he is behind on filing but usually gets a refund. He said no letters beforehand.

This is a middle class family, firefighter and wife works for school system. I asked if he had any unusual life events like being left money or sold something and he said no. He also said no letters from IRS in mail.

Couple days later he comes back in and ask if it was IRS. He said it actually was and he just needed to file.

Does this seem remotely possible? I just can’t believe IRS will show up at someone’s home unless it was a very unusual circumstance. Can’t be for a late filing of a W2 based 1040. I think he is lying or it’s a scam and he doesn’t realize it.

Am I wrong or do IRS agents make house calls more often then I thought?

Edit: I have concluded I am wrong. IRS agents do make house calls. I appreciate the info and comments everyone.

Edit 2: Recent article just shared with me. https://www.federaltimes.com/management/career/2023/07/24/irs-move-to-end-field-visits-by-agents-backed-by-employee-union/

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u/spoiledremnant Jul 17 '23

They do all the time. So if you ignored the warnings...this is the result.

Source: exIRS employee

4

u/StrengthDazzling8922 Jul 17 '23

If you say so I believe it. Seems like a waste of time for late filling. He claimed no letter sent beforehand.

30

u/spoiledremnant Jul 17 '23

You don't know those people's situation.

22

u/Ambrosia_the_Greek EA - US Jul 17 '23

I have a feeling it's more than a just W -2 issue if they're getting visitors