Call the IRS
Get through to a live IRS agent in 2 minutes or less
Calling the IRS often feels like an exercise in frustration. Endless menu options, long hold times, confusing automated messages – just reaching a real live person can seem downright impossible.
But it doesn’t need to be so hard. With the right approach, you can swiftly connect with an IRS representative to get your tax questions answered or issues resolved. This comprehensive guide features optimized strategies for how to call the IRS and actually speak with someone in under 2 minutes.
Why call the IRS?
Before picking up the phone, clearly determine the reason why you want to call the IRS. Outlining your specific tax issue or question ensures you find the fastest path to the appropriate department.
Common reasons to call the IRS include:
- Tax filing questions
- Checking refund status
- Resolving tax notices
- Setting up a payment plan
- Reporting tax fraud
Once you know why you need to call the IRS, you can use the specialized IRS phone number ahead to be routed directly to the agents who handle that type of tax matter.
What is the best time to call the IRS?
IRS telephone number hours run Monday through Friday from 7 AM – 7 PM local time. As you might expect, peak call volumes result in longer wait times. Typically Monday and Tuesday after a tax deadline see high demand. The best time to call the IRS customer service is early in the morning between 7-9 AM in your timezone for the fastest connection.
What to have handy before you call the IRS
To facilitate verification of your identity and specifics of your tax issue, have these items close by when you compose the IRS phone number:
- Social Security numbers and date of birth for those who were on the tax return you are calling about.
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter if you don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN)
- Filing status – Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Joint or Married Filing Separate
- Prior-year tax return. The IRS agent may need to verify your identity before answering certain questions
- A copy of the tax return you’re calling about
- Any letters or notices you received
With the right documentation on hand, you’ll breeze through the identification process and get to an IRS agent who can assist faster during the call.
IRS phone numbers by tax situation
The IRS provides dedicated toll-free numbers based on the type of tax assistance needed. Instead of calling 1-800-829-1040 and navigating prompts, refer to the list below and your particular tax matter to select the IRS phone number to talk to a person live person.
- For tax assistance for the deaf and hard of hearing, call 1-800-829-4059
- IRS contact number for individuals: 1 (800) 829-1040
- IRS telephone number for businesses: 1 (800) 829-4333
- IRS contact number for victims of identity theft: 1 (800) 908-4490
- National Taxpayer Advocate Service: 1 (877) 777-4778
- Exempt Organizations, Retirement Plan Administrators, and Government Entities: 1 (877) 829-5500
- IRS help line for International Services: 1 (267) 941-1000
- Monday – Friday: 6 am – 11 pm Eastern time
Using the appropriate targeted IRS phone number saves you time in menus and transfers to route your call directly to the right department to resolve your tax issue.
How to talk to someone at the IRS?
Getting through to a live person at the IRS to get your tax questions answered can feel frustrating. But with the right approach, you can swiftly connect with an IRS agent in under two minutes. Here is an optimized 10-step guide for how to talk to someone at the IRS during tax season or any time you need tax assistance:
After you call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or 1-800-829-0922 number, follow these IRS prompts to speak with a person:
Step 1 – The first question the automated system will ask you is to choose your language – Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
Step 2 – Once you’ve set your language, do NOT choose Option 1 (regarding tax refund info).
Step 3 – Choose option 2 for “Personal Income Tax” instead.
Step 4 – Press 1 for “form, tax history, or payment”.
Step 5 – Press 3 “for all other questions.”
Step 6 – Press 2 “for all other questions.”
Step 7 – When the system asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, do NOT enter anything.
Step 8 – After it asks twice, you will be prompted with another menu.
Step 9 – Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Step 10 – Finally, press 4 for all other inquiries. The system should then transfer you to a live IRS agent who can help with your tax questions.
Following this optimized 10-step method for how to speak to someone at the IRS sets you up for a swift, direct connection of under two minutes to get your tax issue resolved.
Still can’t get through? Alternate IRS contact options
If you still have trouble connecting with an IRS live agent after calling, the IRS provides alternative contact channels:
- In-person appointments – Schedule an appointment to visit your regional IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center for in-person support.
- Local Taxpayer Advocates – This independent organization within the IRS operates local offices to help taxpayers resolve unaddressed IRS matters.
- Notices have direct numbers – Most IRS notices include a specific contact phone number and department in the top right corner to call the IRS regarding that notice.
Avoid IRS scams
The IRS mainly initiates contact via official letters sent through the mail. Be wary of supposed “IRS calls” demanding unusual forms of payment. These scam attempts try to steal money or personal information using threats and urgency. Familiarize yourself with common tax scams and IRS protocol to protect yourself.
Talk to a real person at the IRS in just 2 minutes
Connecting with IRS customer service does not need to be a monumental hassle. Equipped with specialized IRS phone numbers, optimized call routing techniques and ID info prepared, you know now the fastest way to speak to IRS agent when you require tax support beyond self-service options. In just two minutes or less, you’ll be speaking with an IRS agent ready to tackle your tax issue.