Letter 5775: The IRS Wants to Talk With You About a Tax Matter That Is Not Yours

What Letter 5775 says

The IRS page says, “The IRS is looking into a federal tax matter that you have information relevant to.” The letter asks you to schedule a time to discuss the matter with an IRS employee.

The page tells you to contact the employee listed in the letter to ask questions, get more details, and set up the meeting. When you call, give your name, your contact information and the file number, if the letter shows one.

It is not an audit of you

The IRS page answers this question head-on: “No, this is not an audit notification.” It says the letter asks for information about “a federal tax matter unrelated to you that you have information regarding.”

So the IRS treats you as a source of information, not as the taxpayer under review. The page does not say what the matter is, and the letter may not either. Ask the employee when you call.

Check who you are talking to

The fact sheet says the IRS starts most contacts by regular mail, which fits a letter like this one. It also lists what the IRS does not do. The IRS does not call to demand immediate payment by prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Letter 5775 asks for information, not money.

People pretend to be IRS employees, an IRS fact sheet warns, so check before you share anything. The IRS page warns about identity theft schemes and says you should not give anyone your Social Security number or any other taxpayer identification number. It says the IRS already knows your identification information from your tax return.

When you meet, the page says the IRS employee will show you a badge. An IRS fact sheet adds that an IRS representative who visits you will always show two forms of official credentials, a pocket commission and an HSPD-12 card, and that “You have the right to see these credentials.” The IRS page says you should never volunteer your information until you have seen proper identification.

If the letter looks wrong, the IRS notice-lookup page says to call 800-829-1040 and follow the representative’s instructions. Our list of IRS phone numbers shows the other lines the IRS publishes, and our guide to reaching the IRS covers how to get through.

If you do not answer

The IRS page says, “If you do not respond to this letter an IRS employee may reach out to you via telephone or further correspondence.” The page names no other consequence.

Calling first lets you ask what the matter is about and pick a time to talk.

What people mistake Letter 5775 for

Many people think the IRS is auditing them or that they did something wrong. The IRS page says the letter is not an audit notification and that the matter does not concern you.

Others think it is a scam because it asks for a meeting. A real Letter 5775 does ask for one. The IRS page also tells you not to give your Social Security number until you see proper identification.

Some people worry about language. The IRS page says the IRS can provide an interpreter for your call or meeting. Ask for one when you call to set the appointment.

Common Questions