What Is 8008298374?
Straight up: 8008298374 is the official tollfree number for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). So if it shows up on your caller ID, it could be the real deal. This number is used for outbound calls and also accepts inbound calls for taxpayer questions, especially during tax season. The IRS uses it to handle inquiries about returns, payments, notices, and other federal taxrelated issues.
That said, the prevalence of IRS phone scams means you shouldn’t pick up just because the number looks familiar. Scammers are sneaky—they can spoof this number to appear like the IRS, even if they’re not.
How to Verify It’s Really the IRS
Let’s clear the smoke. The IRS has strict rules about how they contact taxpayers:
They typically send notices by mail first. Real IRS agents won’t demand immediate payment over the phone. You won’t be asked to pay with gift cards or wire transfers. They don’t threaten arrest or deportation.
If the call you receive from 8008298374 skips past these steps or pushes you into panic mode, hit pause. Hang up and go to the IRS official website or call them directly using the number from IRS.gov. Don’t give out personal info unless you’re 100% sure.
Use This Number When You Call the IRS
When you actually need to contact the IRS yourself, 8008298374 is one of the main numbers taxpayers are supposed to use. It routes you to real agents and has menu options for various services, from refund status to payment plans. Here are some common prompts:
Press 1 for questions about your individual taxes Press 2 for refund updates Press 3 for notices you’ve received
Expect long wait times, especially between January and April. If your issue isn’t urgent, try calling early morning or later in the week when call volume drops.
Avoiding IRS Phone Scams
Scammers exploit fear. They act like they’re IRS agents and use aggressive language to trick people into handing over sensitive data or payments. Here’s your basic defense checklist:
Don’t trust caller ID blindly. Never give your full Social Security number, bank info, or credit card numbers over the phone. Look up any number before returning the call. A quick Google search of 8008298374 will immediately tell you it’s related to the IRS—but also scroll down to check for scam reports. Report suspicious calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at their website or 18003664484.
What to Do if You Miss a Call From 8008298374
If you miss a legitimate call from this number, don’t panic. Check your voicemail. The IRS will typically leave a detailed message including your case number or instructions on contacting them correctly. If there’s no message or the voicemail is vague, that’s a red flag.
Always verify before calling back. If in doubt, use the secure channels on IRS.gov to manage your tax profile or track communications.
Alternatives to Calling
The IRS is trying to modernize. If you dread phone queues, try these instead:
Online Account – You can view your balance, payment history, transcripts, and more. Get Transcript – Need a record of your tax returns? You can get that online without phone calls. Where’s My Refund – A fast way to check your refund status 24/7. Online Payment Agreement – If you’re setting up a plan, avoid the phones and do it digitally.
Just the Facts
Let’s wrap up with a simple rule: 8008298374 is the real IRS. But in 2024, you can’t afford to take phone calls at face value. Confirm the nature of the call. If anything feels off, use official IRS systems to doublecheck. Assume nothing. Protect everything.
Got a call from 8008298374? Be smart and stay sharp.
