Calling the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be a daunting task, especially when you know there are thousands of other people trying to get in contact at the same time. No worries, though! In this article, we will provide 7 tips that will help you navigate and accomplish this task. Also, here are the phone numbers to call if you don’t already have them:
Individuals: 800-829-1040
Businesses: 800-829-4933
Non-profit taxes: 877-829-5500
Callers with hearing impairments: 800-829-4059
The best time to call the IRS depends on what you need assistance with. This is because the phone lines are open at different times. According to irs.gov, individuals and businesses should call between 7 AM and 7 PM (local time), whereas non-profit tax concerns should be called between 8 AM and 5 PM (local time). Even though they would be available essentially all day, it’s best to call as early as possible. The IRS reports that Mondays have the highest call volume and it becomes extremely busy after 10 AM.
The fact that you’re reading this article is already a great start, but there are many questions you may have that can easily be found on their website. The IRS has interactive tools online, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. They want to ensure that the questions you have can be answered at your fingertips. There are predicaments where you will need to call the IRS, though. These can include:
When calling the IRS, it is important to be prepared with all the necessary documentation. This can include Social Security numbers, birthdates, tax returns, and any other information that may be needed to discuss your tax situation. Having all of these documents on hand will save time and allow you to ask any questions you may have more quickly. Additionally, it is important to understand that IRS representatives may need to verify your identity before they can answer any questions or provide any assistance.
This is one of the most important tips for calling the IRS! Taxpayers are often asked to speak more slowly than they would in everyday conversation. This is because people that are trying to answer questions on the phone may have to process information quickly, which can be difficult if struggling to hear. Be sure to enunciate each word and ask questions that will help you understand the answer. Another useful tip is to write down everything you say so that you can verify it with the IRS if necessary.
Try your best not to argue with the IRS or treat them like they’re your enemies. This will only make the process more difficult and frustrating for both parties — the last thing you want to do is put a damper on your interaction with them. Instead, be polite and courteous. Remember, they’re just people that are trying to do their job. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take some deep breaths and remain calm. This will help you establish a good relationship with the IRS representative and make it easier to communicate your concerns.
When calling the IRS, it is important to remember to be patient. The IRS is experiencing an unprecedented volume of calls and it may take longer than usual for them to answer your call. Fortunately, the IRS has implemented various strategies to help ensure that taxpayers are able to get the help they need, including expanding their staff and creating a virtual assistant for frequently asked questions. However, if you need a more personalized response, prepare yourself for the wait time and allow the IRS to process your call.
If you’re still struggling to understand or resolve a tax issue, consider speaking with a tax professional. They are familiar with IRS policies and procedures and can provide additional assistance. Also, they can often help you gather the documentation that you will need in order to have your question answered by the IRS.