The IRS has been extremely understaffed for a long time. That means they are doing fewer audits, but it also means it’s much harder to talk to a real person if you have a question about your taxes. They do have a phone number you can call, but reaching a real person can be challenging. Here are the steps to follow to get a real person on the phone.
Avoid Calling the IRS if You Can
If you just want to know the status of your tax return, or you want to make a payment or see how much you owe, or you want to get a copy of your tax transcript, these kinds of things can more easily be done on the IRS website. It’s best to avoid calling them if you can. They have a list of these resources here.
You may also want to visit your local IRS office in-person instead.
Make Sure You Have the Necessary Information
You’ll need some or all of this information to verify your identity when you call the IRS:
- Your name exactly as it appears on your most recent return, and your spouse’s name if you filed jointly.
- Your full address from your most return return.
- Your social security number (or ITIN).
- Your birthdate.
- Have a copy of your most recent tax return for verification. They may ask for your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separate, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse). You can find your status at the top of your tax return.
- Have any letters or information they have sent you.
Getting Through to a Real Person
For questions about your personal taxes, call 800-829-1040. For questions about a corporation or partnership tax return, call 800-829-4933.
Until recently, the IRS phone system used a series of menus that you had to navigate with key presses. They have now replaced it with a voice system where it asks you to say a sentence to tell them what you are trying to do. Some sentences like “where is my refund” may lead to a recorded message, but not a way to reach a live person if that’s what you need. We’re still evaluating what phrases will get to you a live person, but one that will work is “questions about my account”.
