@Anonymous wrote:
What number did you use to actually reach a human at the IRS? I have been waiting 4 months for my refund, it is extremely simply, and I can't even get put on hold when I try to call the IRS, they just tell me to try again later and disconnect.
I'll tell you some steps, then I'll also tell you how to enlist the Taxpayer Advocate Service, if necessary. They may even be able to transfer you to the IRS.
If the IRS tool says it is still being processed, here's how to reach the IRS, but it may not be easy. Part of it is luck. Due to the Coronavirus, some of the IRS call centers are closed, some are operating with reduced personnel, some are now gradually opening back up. Some users have reported that they have finally reached someone. Here is the normal method to reach an IRS live agent when they are operating smoothly, and I'll also tell you how to reach the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service.
IRS: 800-829-1040 (7AM-7 PM local time) Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do not choose the first choice re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
- First choose your language. Then listen to each menu before making the selection.
- Then press 2 for "personal income tax".
- Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".
- Then press 3 "for all other questions."
- Then press 2 "for all other questions."
- It may then ask for your SSN, but do not enter it. Just wait. If it asks for SSN a second time, still do not enter it.
- Then it will get "tired", and you'll get another menu. Choose 2 for "personal".
- Then in the next menu choose 4 for "all other inquiries", and it should transfer you to an agent but expect a long wait.
- I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.
If you continue to have no luck reaching the IRS, you can try contacting the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service for your area. They are taking phone calls in most states. They are especially prone to help if you have an economic hardship, or if there have been continued delays with lack of info from the IRS. At the following IRS website, find the USA map and click on your state, and it will give you the number of your IRS Taxpayer Advocate. If the Advocate Service can't/won't help you, ask them to transfer you to an IRS agent. A couple of users have reported that was a backdoor to speak to the IRS, at least for them.
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-a-Local-Taxpayer-Advocate
Also see this article for more info on how the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service works::
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc104.html
