If you need to speak to an IRS representative by phone, know that you’ll be required to verify your identity. You’ll be asked for your Social Security number, birth date and filing status. Also have handy your previous year’s tax return, the tax return you’re calling about and any correspondence received from the IRS. If you’re calling for another taxpayer, you’ll need verbal or written authorization (IRS Form 8821 or Form 2848). And if the taxpayer is deceased, you’ll need a death certificate and either a court approval letter or IRS Form 56. Only provide this information if you make the call, not if someone calls you claiming to be from the IRS — that could be an identity theft scam.
