The IRS  cited employee safety and combatting scammers who pose as IRS agents as the reason for the policy change.  The policy was effective immediately according to a Treasury Department statement.

While opening the door to an IRS Revenue Officer who had a demand letter for back taxes due was certainly effective in gaining a taxpayer's attention, the risks to IRS employee safety simply outweighed the benefits. 

Mind you, the home and business visits were not for trivial tax matters.  In most situations, the taxpayer or business  OWED SIGNIFICANT  back taxes or had not filed their tax returns for  SEVERAL YEARS  with significant assets that the IRS couldn't help but notice.  The door knocking was not for the "little guy" who had an unpaid tax bill.

Even with that, I believe this is a good thing for both the Service and taxpayers.  Taxpayers are confused enough with scammers online and on the phone--when a scammer comes knocking with fake IRS credentials, how does the public stay protected?

In addition, there has been ALOT recently published about the "80,000 armed agents" the IRS was planning to hire with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act late last year.  People are scared that the IRS is "coming after them with guns".  While this has been debunked by government officials, the fear remains.  

Realize that field visits related to criminal tax activity is not covered in this policy change.  The IRS federal agent that comes to your door with a badge and wishes to speak with you about some activity may not be a scammer.

Bottom line:  the IRS will continue to make contact with taxpayers via US Mail (both regular and certified).   As I have blogged before, the most important thing you can do with IRS mail is open it and don't ignore what they are asking for!

If you received IRS correspondence and you are confused and worried,  seek out a tax professional  who can help "decode" the letter and get you off the IRS radar as soon as possible.

Kevin Rego

Law Office of Kevin Rego

650.933.5222

www.regotaxlaw.com

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended to provide a general overview of the topic presented.  It is not intended to be a legal interpretation of your individual tax or legal situation.  If there is a conflict between the information provided and any legal authority implementing or interpreting the topic, the legal authority shall prevail.  Always seek legal advice from a licensed attorney.  This article does not in anyway establish an attorney-client relationship.  That relationship can only be accomplished with both parties signing a mutual, written agreement.