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New Member
posted Jun 7, 2019 2:57:58 PM

I know the IRS phone number is 800-829-1040, but how to do you get someone to actually answer the line?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:09 PM

Call the IRS:  1-800-829-1040  hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday

When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.  

So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info).  Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.

Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".   

Then press 3 "for all other questions."

Then press 2 "for all other questions." 

- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don’t enter anything.  

- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.

Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.

It should then transfer you to an agent.

Or you can contact your local IRS office.  See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1

Or you may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area.  See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate

24 Replies
New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:00 PM

Thanks you @DoninGA I followed your instructions and got right through to someone

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:00 PM

RE found

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:02 PM

I filed my taxes is February 7th and I still have not received my refund. Every time I check the status of my taxes on irs. Gov with verification I get a message saying "No information can be given at this time" that is not  adequate service!  I tried calling and the call is automatically sent to the automatic system which says you have the option to wait in line for the next representative but then it disconnects the call.  Something needs to give because this type of business is unacceptable! What happened to great customer service?

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:04 PM

Go into your local office I went 2 hours before they opened and I was first in line. They helped right away and I was in and out in 10 minutes!

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:04 PM

That is pretty messed up.I done my taxes in Feburary 27th and still no refund. I am getting ready to get an attorney

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:06 PM

Did just as it says it asks more questions then tells you that they do not send you to representatives for Tax questions and to go to the website then it hung up on me.. Ugggghhhh 

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:07 PM

Called 10 times and followed directions.... Could not get thru says they are experiencing high call volume and the tax topic you requested is not available at this time. SMH , so frustrating.

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:09 PM

Call the IRS:  1-800-829-1040  hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday

When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.  

So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info).  Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.

Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".   

Then press 3 "for all other questions."

Then press 2 "for all other questions." 

- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don’t enter anything.  

- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.

Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.

It should then transfer you to an agent.

Or you can contact your local IRS office.  See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1

Or you may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area.  See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:10 PM

I tried for 6 consecutive days & multiple tries (going through the "refund" options) with absolutely no results. I Using the method above suggested by DoninGa, I'm currently on a "10-15 min hold" to SPEAK to a representative.  If I actually get to talk to someone, I will be forever indebted to DoninGa!!

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:12 PM

..and I actually got to TALK to someone!  Still need to follow up, but this method was incredible and so very much appreciated!

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:15 PM

Said this topic could no longer be answered by an irs rep

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:17 PM

It kept asking for my social security number, which I was told by a rep at [phone # removed]NOT to put in social info. I called several times following the instructed prompts and only got a recording saying that my call was unable to be directed and to call back. One time I was on hold for over 35 minutes and gave up. Now it's unable to go through again.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:18 PM

Been calling over a week now still know live person . what have. We the people do not deserve this

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:19 PM

It works! I got through to someone in 7 minutes!

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:21 PM

It worked for me.  After the last option (2) it asked for SS# and then gave me several options to choose from.  At the end of those options offered if you don't select one.  The system will prompt you to hold and then put you in the calling cue.  The system will give you a wait time.  Mine was 15/20 min. The above information was the best I received after trying for over a week.  You would think it shouldn't be this complicated and they would be prepared for calls and allow you to just select "0" to speak to someone.  This process is unbelievable and feels like a deterrent to make you hang up instead.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:22 PM

Finally that worked! I spoke with a very nice gentleman who told me that the Where's My Refund app is not working (so frustrating) but helped me with what was going on with my account. What finally worked was what Bernadinetejeda suggested.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:24 PM

Those options worked for me. I had a two minute wait.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:25 PM

worked for me i'm on hold now, thank you

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:27 PM

1 hour 45 min hold time...then real live person...ugh

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:28 PM

So i tried,1 for English, then the following, 2, 2, 1.  I finally got through.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:29 PM

phetsala-- this works! However, the lady was unable to help me :( but I am happy that I was actually able to speak to a person. Thank you.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:31 PM

Tried four times today starting at 7 533 AM, the system is designed to exit calls at the first opportunity. I received 2 different "topics" not covered and an auto hang up. I received two different "call volume" unable to answer "check online or call back on the next business day,  I suspect the call team is sparse before 9 AM ET.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:32 PM

I was finally able to get a hold of someone. I had to call at 7 AM EST exactly. Didn't have to stay on hold for a long time

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 2:58:32 PM

I finally got through I got the direct  number 800 829 0922. 15 minute wait but great results