4 min read

IRS Phone Numbers for Live Assistance

IRS Phone Numbers for Live Assistance
IRS Phone Numbers for Live Assistance
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Navigating the maze of IRS phone numbers and finding the right phone number for IRS live assistance can feel overwhelming. But fear not, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing key contact information, alternative ways to reach a live person, and tips on avoiding scams. By the end of this post, you’ll be well-equipped with relevant information to connect with the IRS and get the help you need.

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Key Phone Numbers For IRS Assistance

The IRS has several phone numbers to address various tax questions and concerns. The main IRS customer service number is 800-829-1040, available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time, depending on the region. For customers with hearing impairments, the number is 800-829-4059, while non-English and non-Spanish language assistance can be accessed at 833-553-9895. To find the most appropriate IRS phone number, visit the IRS website.

Before calling, it’s a good idea to explore the resources available on the IRS website (IRS.gov) for estate and gift tax questions about your tax filing or any IRS correspondence. Average telephone service wait times during the filing season can be around 13 minutes and around 19 minutes off-season.

Individual Taxpayer Assistance

For individual taxpayers seeking assistance, the contact number is 800-829-1040. Various programs and services are available to help with tax credits and deductions, payment options, and account information, including filing status. Some services include Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), which offer free tax assistance, in-person support at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, and the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) tool on the IRS website.

Mondays and Tuesdays are generally busier for callers, so remember this when you’re planning your workload. Additionally, there will be an influx of tax-related questions in March and April. To avoid long wait times, try exploring the IRS website for resources and solutions before calling the individual taxpayer assistance phone number.

 


Business Taxpayer Assistance

Business taxpayers can call 800-829-4933 for assistance, including inquiries about married filing joint status. The IRS offers various support options for business taxpayers, such as:

  • Disaster relief tax law provisions

  • Coronavirus tax relief

  • Resources for tax filing

  • Help with starting or operating a business.

The Business and Specialty Tax Line and EIN Assignment at 800-829-4933 can provide further assistance, including information about gift taxes. Similar to individual taxpayers, business taxpayers are encouraged to explore the resources available on the IRS website before calling the business taxpayer assistance phone number, as call volume on phone lines can be higher during peak times.

Contacting the IRS for Specific Tax Issues

A PERSON TALKING TO A TAX PROFESSIONAL ABOUT THEIR IRS TAX RELATED QUESTIONS.

Certain tax issues, such as underpayment of taxes, inadequate record keeping, taxation of income versus consumption, and special tax treatment for certain industries like farmers, may require specific guidance from the IRS. In these cases, you can call the IRS toll-free number for individuals and businesses to seek assistance with your specific tax inquiries.

Installment Agreements

Installment agreements are payment plans that allow taxpayers to pay their tax debt in installments, as agreed upon with the IRS. Although there is no dedicated phone line for installment agreements, the most efficient way to contact the IRS for this matter is to:

  • Call the general assistance numbers

  • Contact the IRS through local offices

  • Reach out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service

  • Use the IRS Live Chat for further support.

Before calling, make sure to have your Social Security number, tax return information, and any other applicable documents readily available to ensure an efficient conversation with the IRS representative. You can set up your installment agreement online. However, if you are unable to revise an existing installment agreement online, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 (individual) or 800-829-4933 (business).

Refund Inquiries

Refund inquiries are requests for information regarding the status of a taxpayer’s refund. To check the status of your refund, you can use the Where’s My Refund tool on the IRS website or contact the IRS at 800-829-1954 to use the automated system or speak with a representative.

After 21 days of e-filing your return or six weeks of mailing it, if the information regarding your refund is not yet available, you can contact the main telephone line at 800-829-1040. An assistant will attend to answer your queries. Remember that call volume can be higher during peak times, so it’s a good idea to try the online tools first before calling the IRS for refund inquiries.

 

Local IRS Offices

Taxpayers can visit Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) for in-person tax assistance. To locate the nearest TAC, also known as your local IRS office, you can utilize the Contact Your Local Office tool available on IRS.gov or contact 844-545-5640. Appointments at TACs can be scheduled by calling 1-844-829-3676.

Access to a local TAC is typically available one Saturday per month during the tax filing season. Keep in mind the local time and that wait times can be longer during peak hours, so it’s best to schedule an appointment in advance.

Taxpayer Advocate Service

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service that assists individuals with tax-related issues that cannot be resolved on their own. Their local offices are separate from the local IRS offices and can be found through the link provided in the source section.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an excellent resource for taxpayers who need help resolving tax problems that they are unable to solve independently. They can provide guidance and support in navigating complex tax issues.

IRS Live Chat

The IRS live chat service is intended for general inquiries and is accessible by selecting the “Start a conversation” button at the bottom of certain IRS web pages. With the live chat feature, you can receive simple answers and connect to a live representative if the automated voice bots system is unable to address your query or issue. The chatbots are automated voice and chatbot systems that can provide support with basic inquiries concerning topics, including payment processing and collection notices.

While engaging in an IRS live chat session does not constitute a formal contact with the IRS regarding your tax account, it can be a quick and convenient way to get answers to your many questions online without waiting on the phone. However, remember not to enter personal information, such as Social Security numbers or other taxpayer identification numbers, into the chat box.

 

When to Use IRS Online Tools and Resources

IRS online tools and resources offer a convenient way to address tax-related concerns without the need for a phone call. They are user-friendly, accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, and can assist with:

  • Filing taxes

  • Checking refund status

  • Making payments

  • Accessing tax forms

  • Finding information about tax accounts

  • Obtaining answers to common tax questions

It’s always a good idea to explore these online resources before contacting the IRS by phone, as this may save you time and help you resolve your tax issues more efficiently.

 


 

How H&CO can help you

For over 30 years, our bilingual trusted CPA Tax Advisors have provided exceptional income tax services to individuals, families, real estate investors, family offices, small business owners, multinationals, and foreign individuals. Our goal is to ensure you take advantage of all available deductions and credits, minimizing your tax liability effectively.

With offices in Miami, Coral Gables, Aventura, and Fort Lauderdale, our CPAs are readily available to assist you with all your income tax planning and tax preparation needs. To learn more about our accounting firm services take a look at our individual tax services, business tax services, international tax services, expatriate tax services, SAP Business One, entity management, human capital, and audit and assurance services.  

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