How to talk to a live person at the IRS

I have seen a lot of questions recently about how to navigate the IRS’s automated phone system so you can talk to a live person at the IRS.  While automated systems can be great, sometimes you just need to talk to a human, and it can be hard to figure that out through the IRS’s system.  Recently, I came across some great information about how to get a live person at the IRS and wanted to make it easily available to you.

Step one – Call the IRS phone number. The IRS phone number is 800-829-1040, but you shouldn’t take my word for it. When someone is giving you information on how to contact the IRS, you should always go directly to the source and make sure that you’re using the right number.  Go to the IRS website (either by clicking here or typing in IRS.gov into your browser). There you will find the official number for the IRS.

The offices are open from 7 am to 7 pm local time on Monday through Friday. Wait times can be long, especially during tax season, so be prepared to wait.

Step Two – Press 1 for English (if you speak English)

Step Three – Press 2 at the first menu of prompts after language.

Step Four – Press 1 at the next menu

Step Five – Press 2 at the next menu

Step Six – The next menu will ask for your Social Security Number (this is why you made sure the number you were really calling is the IRS). Enter your SSN.

Step Seven – At the next menu, do nothing. You will be prompted to select a number of options, but if you just wait, you will be placed in a hold queue to talk to the next person at the IRS.

Simple as that!

Of course, do make sure that you have all of your information at hand when you’re calling, to save time for both you and for the IRS agent. And remember, just because you may despise the confusing rules of the IRS, the agent you’re talking to isn’t to blame for that. You catch many more flies with honey than with vinegar, as my grandmother used to say. So be kind, and good luck!