IRS officials may visit taxpayers in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, New York and Chicago: Why it happens, what to expect and how to avoid scams

Officials from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may visit taxpayers at their homes or businesses in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, New York, Chicago and other parts of the United States, according to a report of Cronista. However, an IRS Revenue Officer visiting a taxpayer does not necessarily mean that the person's assets are about to be seized.

Revenue Officers are specialized IRS employees who handle collection cases involving unresolved tax debts and, in some circumstances, unfiled tax returns. They may contact taxpayers to discuss their outstanding obligations, explain their rights and available options, and begin collection procedures when necessary.

Importantly, the IRS says in-person visits are uncommon. The agency states that unannounced visits are rare and that it generally sends a letter before visiting a taxpayer's home or business.

Who can visit your home or business on behalf of the IRS?

According to the IRS, only four types of employees may visit a taxpayer's home or business: Revenue Agents, Revenue Officers, Criminal Investigation Special Agents and Fuel Inspectors. Each has a specific role and carries official identification.

Revenue Agents are civilian employees who conduct examinations, or audits. They review financial records to verify information reported by taxpayers and may meet them at an IRS office, home, business or accountant's office.

Before an audit visit, the agent generally contacts the taxpayer by mail and may later call to discuss the examination. If information is required from a third party, the IRS may also contact that person by mail or phone, and in some cases issue a summons.

Revenue Officers, meanwhile, work on collection matters. They help taxpayers resolve outstanding returns and taxes owed and explain their rights, obligations, options and potential consequences.

Why would an IRS Revenue Officer visit someone?

An in-person visit is generally not the first step in the collection process. The IRS typically makes multiple attempts to contact a taxpayer before a Revenue Officer visits.

A Revenue Officer may become involved when a taxpayer has an unresolved tax debt, has failed to file required returns or has not adequately responded to previous IRS notices.

Before a Revenue Officer visit, the officer may mail Letter 725-B or call the taxpayer to arrange an appointment. The IRS says several notices and letters may be sent, and a visit can follow when attempts to contact the taxpayer go unanswered.

Are Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, New York and Chicago being specifically targeted?

There is no general rule limiting IRS collection activity to these five cities.

Revenue Officers generally handle cases within their assigned geographic areas, but they may travel to other locations when required for official business. The IRS also conducts Coordinated Field Activities, in which Revenue Officers can be temporarily deployed to areas with limited field presence or to address specific collection needs.

This means taxpayers outside Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, New York and Chicago can also encounter IRS collection activity when their circumstances require it.

What changed with IRS visits in 2023?

The IRS made a significant change to its approach to unannounced Revenue Officer visits in 2023. The agency moved toward arranging appointments in advance, generally using Letter 725-B or other communication before an in-person meeting.

The change was intended to reduce confusion caused by people impersonating IRS employees and improve safety for taxpayers and agency personnel.

However, unannounced visits have not disappeared completely.

Does an IRS visit mean your property will be seized?

No. A visit from a Revenue Officer does not automatically mean that the IRS is preparing to seize a taxpayer's assets.

The officer's role can include reviewing the taxpayer's outstanding obligations, explaining available options and working toward resolving the case.

During a Revenue Officer visit, taxpayers may also be able to make payments through accepted methods, including cash or check, certified funds or money order payable to the United States Treasury, as well as online payment options.

However, if a tax debt remains unresolved and the legal requirements are met, the IRS can take more serious collection action. This may include a federal tax lien, levies and, in certain circumstances, seizure of assets.

Therefore, being contacted by a Revenue Officer should not be interpreted as an immediate threat of seizure.

How can taxpayers verify an IRS employee?

Revenue Officers, Revenue Agents and Fuel Inspectors carry IRS-issued credentials, including a pocket commission and an HSPD-12 card. Both contain the employee's photo and serial number, and taxpayers can ask to see them.

Criminal Investigation Special Agents present law enforcement credentials when conducting investigations.

If a person claiming to be an IRS employee refuses to provide identification or the taxpayer is unsure whether the credentials are legitimate, the IRS advises contacting the appropriate phone number provided with the employee's credentials. If someone feels unsafe, they should call 911.

Taxpayers should also be alert to impersonation scams. According to the IRS, an unexpected phone call, email or text message that rushes someone, threatens them, requests personal or financial information or demands immediate payment can be a warning sign of a scam.

The bottom line is that IRS collection activity is not confined to Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, New York or Chicago. Revenue Officers can handle cases across the country, and their involvement generally follows attempts to resolve outstanding tax issues.

While most Revenue Officer visits are arranged in advance, limited exceptions exist for certain enforcement activities. An unexpected visit should be taken seriously and verified carefully, but it does not automatically mean that the IRS is about to seize a taxpayer's property.