Productivity
August 21, 2024

How To Actually Talk To A Live Person At The IRS

Lean how to actually talk to a live person at the IRS, step-by-step. I'll show you the process I used t speak to a live agent and how you can too.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-829-1040, press 1 for English, and follow menu prompts for questions.
  • Skip entering your SSN to be routed to the next menu option.
  • Select 2 for personal tax questions, then 3 for all other inquiries.
  • Use the callback feature to avoid long hold times and reduce frustration.

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As a 1099 contractor that is technically self-employed, I have a lot of questions about my taxes.

Usually my accountant can handle them, however, sometimes I need to speak directly with the IRS.

Unfortunately, I recently learned that this is not as easy as you might think. However, there is a way that I discovered that will save you a ton of time.

How to Call the IRS and Speak With a Real Person

Here’s how you can do it and save time in the process:

  1. Call the IRS: Dial 1-800-829-1040 during their support hours of 7 AM to 7 PM local time, Monday through Friday.
  2. Select Your Language: Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
  3. Choose Your Inquiry:
    • Press 2 for questions about personal income taxes.
    • Press 1 if your question is about a form already filed or a payment.
    • Press 3 for all other questions.
    • Press 2 again for all other questions.
  4. Skip the SSN Prompt: When asked for your Social Security Number, make no entry. This will eventually route you to the next menu.
  5. Final Selections:
    • Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
    • Press 3 for all other questions.

Request a Call Back Instead of Waiting

After navigating the system, I was informed that my wait time would be roughly 28 minutes. Fortunately, the IRS offers a callback feature, so I didn’t have to stay on hold.

The system prompted me to enter my 10-digit phone number and then confirm it. I was notified that the callback would come from a West Virginia number, which it did.

When I received the call, the representative was moderately pleasant and was able to help me with my questions.

This feature was a lifesaver, as I had already spent hours trying to work through the automated systems with much frustration.

If you’re finding it hard to connect, the callback option is definitely worth considering to save yourself some time and stress.

A Quick Note

I can assure you that this is a real number, as it is publicly listed on the IRS website, as well as within their individual PDF handouts.

a screenshot of the IRS hone number that you can call to talk to a real person

However, if you don't call this number and end up with anohter option instead, I encourage you to verify the number that you're calling.

There are a lot of scams around tax time and you don't want to get caught up in one if you can avoid it.

Only call numbers located directly on the IRS.gov website. And remember, if it sounds too good to be true, or if you feel like something is fishy, verify verify verify.