How to call an IRS operator, not a robot: step-by-step instructions

Not all questions can be answered using the Internet, especially when it comes to taxes. Anyone who has tried to call the IRS knows that talking to a live person on the other end of the line is nearly impossible. how to get help from a real person from the IRS over the phone

This year, the IRS will be working to improve its telephone service as well as expand its online tools.

Most people who call the service are either frustrated by the long wait or are fed up with the complex phone menu that leads from one automated message to another, so they simply hang up. How can I quickly contact someone at the IRS to resolve my issue?

How long will you have to wait to talk to someone at the IRS?

The IRS says the average wait time this year is just four minutes. Some phone lines may have longer wait times. This is a significant improvement from the average of 27 minutes over the past few years.

The IRS says the longest waits typically occur on Mondays and Tuesdays. Back in 2017, a major study by enQ, Inc. showed that the best time to call is before 9:00 am on the east coast and after 5:00 pm on the west coast.

What to do before calling the IRS

The IRS recommends checking your online resources before calling. There is a list of common problems. You may find the answer to your tax return, payment, or identity theft concerns.

What to do if you can't contact anyone at the IRS

If you live near your local IRS office, you can call them directly. They probably won't be able to answer your questions over the phone, but your Taxpayer Assistance Center  can schedule an appointment.