The tax season is in full swing and filing tax forms can be a daunting task. There may be some questions to ask while you collect your paperwork particularly in the case of helping someone else or are tying to the property of a loved one.
Contacting an IRS representative can take time so, prior to calling to get answers, search on the internet on irs.gov. Begin by reading tax information for individuals or look up an IRS list of complex tax topics to find more complex scenarios. If you have questions about refunds, visit for the tax refund FAQs page and utilize the search function embedded in the page.
If you find that the IRS website doesn’t address your question in detail This article will provide you with information about speaking with an IRS representative. IRS.
What number should you dial to reach the IRS
The primary IRS number is 800-829-1040. However, the IRS maintains several departments that have their own phone numbers that can assist callers in particular issues. Help lines are available all week. Here’s a list of the primary departmental help lines:
Notice: Alaska and Hawaii residents should observe Pacific time. Puerto Rico phone lines are accessible from between 8 a.m. until eight p.m. Local time.
- individuals: 800-829-1040 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. local time
- Business: 800-829-4933 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. local time
- Non-profit tax: 877-829-5500, 8 a.m. until five p.m. in the time zone of your location.
- Taxes on estate and gifts (Form 706/709): 866-699-4083, 8 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Eastern standard time
- Taxes on Excise: 866-699-4096, 8 a.m. until six p.m. Eastern standard time
- Callers from overseas should visit this page for international services. International Services page
- Callers who have hearing impairments ATC/TDD 800-829-4059
If you’ve got a question about something more specific, such as the child tax credit being missing payment or the procedure to obtain an official tax transcript or tax transcript, the IRS offers additional numbers for these types of queries. NerdWallet has the most exhaustive list of less well-known IRS telephone numbers.
How to Prepare and the Best Time to Contact the IRS
It’s not always easy to get a person from the IRS to answer your questions. The agency was able to handle over 100 million phone calls in 2020. Don’t quit, but make sure you are strategic.
The wait times for the tax season (January-April) are typically around thirteen minutes as per the IRS and post-filing calls (May-December) have average wait times. If you call during high-volume times, you could be waiting for up to one hour or more.
Holds that are extended are difficult to avoid, however East Coast callers have found that calling before 9:00 a.m. (local time) can reduce the waiting duration. In the West Coast, calling after 5 p.m. may assist.
Information You Need to Gather to prepare for your IRS Contact
Since tax information is highly confidential, you’ll need be ready to confirm who you’re talking with the IRS representative. Make sure you have the following documents ready so you’ll be able to refer them during the conversation. You’ll probably need to respond to a few specific questions before proceeding:
- Social Security number (SSN) as well as birth date
- Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) for taxpayers with no Social Security number.
- Filing status: head of household, single or married filing jointly or married filing separately
- Tax return for the prior year
- Tax return that you’re calling regarding
- Any correspondence that the IRS has sent you
If you’re calling regarding specific accounts or forms it is important to have as much info on hand as you can.
Making a call to the IRS on behalf of another Person
When you’re calling for the benefit another person, you’ll require permission (either either written or verbal) to talk about the account. If you’re seeking verbal consent, the person has to be on phone with you to be able to discuss the issue to the IRS representative. Verbal consent, also referred to in the form of an oral statement is only valid for the current conversation . You’ll require verbal consent each time you initiate an interaction in with IRS.
In addition there are other things you’ll need:
- The name of their taxpayer, as well as SSN or ITIN
- The tax return that you’re calling to inquire about
- Valid Form Form 8821. Tax Information Authorization or Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative
- Your tax preparer’s tax Identification Number (SSN) or your personal identification number (SSN or ITIN)
If you’re calling to inquire about someone who has died You’ll need an original copy of the person’s death certificate as well as an approval from the court or a copy of the completed the IRS form 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship).
How to Manage the Conversation to an IRS representative
If you do contact them to make a call, remember that IRS agents handle simple questions and problems related with your return. They might not be able to assist with the most difficult questions. As with other sectors and other industries, the IRS has been experiencing delays in processing because of the pandemic. This could affect your phone experience. Bring your patience.
Taxes can be stressful, however, IRS representatives aren’t your enemies. They’re here to help. If you are more organized before the call are before going into, the smoother and more effective your conversation is. Know what you are looking for prior to the call begins.
When you call to arrange an installment plan to pay tax debt, it’s crucial to realize that you won’t be able to discuss the final outcome. The IRS has specific guidelines on how repayment plans are created. The person who handles the plan should be able to explain your choices.
When should you consult a Tax Professional
If the phone or online solutions don’t solve your issue then you might be better by scheduling a face-to face appointment at you nearest IRS bureau.
Taxes aren’t always straightforward. If you are a multi-source of income, run your own business, make investment accounts, or even have accounts in other countries, you may benefit from consulting an CPA or any other tax professional.
