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Not every question can be resolved by an automated system—especially when it involves your taxes. This year, the IRS revealed plans to extend service hours at nearly 250 Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) nationwide, offering extra help to taxpayers who need it. They're also focused on enhancing their phone support and improving online tools. However, anyone who's called the IRS knows it can feel nearly impossible to reach a real person. The IRS anticipates over 146 million individual tax returns will be filed this year, with the filing deadline set for April 15, 2024. That’s a huge number of taxpayers on hold. And at times, you really need to talk to a live agent. Here's how to get through quickly.
How long will the wait be to speak with someone at the IRS?
Most callers either become frustrated by the long wait times or get lost in the convoluted phone menu, leading them to hang up. But if you stick around, the IRS reports that this year, the average wait time is just four minutes. Some lines may have longer hold times, but that’s a major improvement compared to the 27-minute average wait times in recent years.
The IRS also notes that the longest wait times are generally on Mondays and Tuesdays. A 2017 study by enQ, Inc. discovered that the best times to call are before 9 a.m. on the East Coast and after 5 p.m. on the West Coast.
What to do before contacting the IRS
The IRS suggests reviewing its online resources before making a call. It provides a list of frequently asked questions that might address your concerns regarding your tax return, payments, or issues related to identity theft.
How to connect with a real person at the IRS
To speak with a representative at the IRS, you must call, navigate through the automated menu, and eventually be routed to an available agent if one is on hand.
The IRS phone number is 1-800-829-1040, available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. Accountant Amy Northard provides a helpful guide for navigating the IRS phone system on her blog:
The first prompt in the automated system will ask you to choose your preferred language. Once selected, avoid pressing Option 1 (for refund inquiries). Instead, select Option 2 for 'Personal income tax questions...'
Then, press 1 for 'Questions about forms you’ve already submitted...'. Followed by pressing 3 for 'Other questions.'
Next, press 2 for 'Personal or individual tax inquiries.' After the system requests your SSN or EIN, don’t enter anything. After two attempts, it will prompt you with another menu.
Finally, press 4 for 'All other questions.' This should transfer you to an agent.
Ensure you're prepared before calling the IRS with your questions
Before making your call, be sure to gather all the necessary documents you may need when speaking with the IRS agent. The IRS recommends having the following information ready:
Social Security Numbers (SSN) and birth dates
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for taxpayers without an SSN
Your filing status (single, head of household, married filing jointly, or married filing separately)
Your prior-year tax return
The tax return you're inquiring about
Any correspondence received from the IRS
If you're having trouble reaching someone at the IRS, try contacting your local IRS office directly instead of relying on the main phone line. While they may not be able to answer all of your questions over the phone, you can schedule an appointment with your Taxpayer Assistance Center by checking the state-by-state directory available online.
For those still struggling to get assistance from a live representative, consider reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service. This independent IRS office is specifically dedicated to helping individuals with unresolved tax matters.
If you're finding it difficult to get help from a real person at the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service might be your best bet. This independent office within the IRS exists to assist people with ongoing tax-related issues that need extra attention.
