How to Call the IRS by Phone in 2023
Here's an updated video on the best way to call the IRS by telephone. I’ll give you two options to quickly navigate the IRS automated telephone maze. And this should allow you to quickly speak to a live person at the IRS in the shortest possible time.
Calling the IRS can be intimidating and very difficult to get through to a live agent. You should call the IRS if you have an issue that you haven't been able to resolve or if you've been instructed to call them.
For example, if you're waiting for a refund and it's delayed by weeks or months, then you might want to call them to speak to a live person, and find out what’s going on. As a side note, if you received an IRS notice, then call the number indicated on the notice.
One technique to getting through to the IRS by phone is to call them right when they open at 7 AM in the morning. Your wait time will be significantly lower because there’s less people calling at that time. The IRS main telephone number is 1-800-829-1040, and they're available from 7 AM to 7 PM your local time, Monday through Friday.
I’ll go over the first method. If this doesn’t work, then try the second method.
Here’s the first method:
Step 1: Dial 1-800-829-0922
Step 2: It will ask you to continue in English, so press 1.
Step 3: Next, it will ask you once “for questions about your economic impact payment”. Wait for it to ask a second time about “questions about your economic impact payment”. Wait for the prompt, then…
Step 4: Enter 000
It will tell you that they’re unable to complete your response, but tell you to hold on the line. Depending on how long the call queue is, you should be connected to an IRS operator.
If that doesn’t work for whatever reason...
Here’s the second method:
Step 1. Call the IRS number, 800-829-1040
The first question the automated system will ask you is to choose your language. Once you’ve selected your language, don’t choose Option 1 (regarding refund info). Instead, press 2 for “Answers about you personal income taxes”.
Next, press 1 “For questions about a form you have already submitted...”
Next, press 3 “for all other questions.”
Next, press 2 “for all other questions.”
The system will ask you to enter your Social Security Number, to access your account information. Don’t Enter Anything!
After it asks you twice, you’ll be prompted with another menu.
At the next menu, press 2 for “personal or individual tax related questions”. Finally, press 3 for all other inquiries. The system should now transfer you to a live agent.
You may not get through the first time, but you need to just keep trying, and depending on the call volume, you may have to wait a while.
Before you call, make sure you're prepared. Gather everything you might need. The IRS recommends having the following items ready, social security numbers and birth dates, your filing status, prior year tax return information, your tax return you're calling about, and any correspondence the IRS may have sent you.
Thanks for watching and see you in the next blog post!
