How to Get in Touch with the IRS

If you have a question for the IRS, sometimes it’s best to pick up the phone and call. However, reaching a human being at the IRS seems to be easier said than done. Kelly and I wanted to make sure you have the tools to reach the IRS quickly and easily, so we’ve compiled some tips below.

First things first, be prepared.

Before you call the IRS, make sure you have everything you’ll need while you speak with the agent. Luckily, most of what you need are things you likely know by heart, such as your Social Security Number and birthday. Others you might have to look up, like your previous year’s tax return and any correspondence you’ve received from the IRS. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to call.

Calling the IRS

As with any government agency, calling the IRS is never as simple as it should be. You won’t get a person on the first or second ring; instead, you will be presented with an automated menu to wade through. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered. Step-by-step, here’s what you need to reach a human being when you call the IRS:

• Dial the IRS number: 1(800)-829-1040; business hours M-F 7am – 7pm, local time
• Set your language
• Press 2 – “For answers about your personal income taxes…”
• Press 1 – “For questions about a form you have already submitted…”
• Press 3 – “For all other questions”
• Press 2 – “For all other questions”
• The system will ask you to enter your SSN or EIN (employee identification number) to access your account—don’t enter anything. A new menu will prompt after it asks you twice.
• Press 2 – “For personal or individual tax related questions”
• Press 4 – “For all other inquiries”—you will then be transferred to an IRS agent.

You will likely still have to wait on hold, but hopefully, it won’t be for too long. If you’re calling in the “off-season,” you should be put through rather quickly. However, during tax-season, be prepared for a longer hold.

What if I’m still unable to reach someone?

There are a few routes to take when you’re unable to reach the IRS. For one, if you live near an IRS local office, you can try scheduling an appointment to talk to someone face-to-face. You can also try the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent office within the IRS that can help you with existing tax questions. Additionally, you can try contacting your local Congressman or woman, and their office may be able to assist reaching the IRS on your behalf. Finally, we at SDA can reach the IRS on your behalf if we have a signed power of attorney. As tax professionals, we have access to tax-preparer only phone numbers that aren’t available to the general public, and we can usually get in contact with a representative faster than you may be able to by calling the IRS yourself.

For any other questions, always feel free to give SDA a call!

-Stanley & Kelly