I wrote this article to help you talk to a live agent at the IRS, YES!, that is correct, A REAL LIVE PERSON, NOT A ROBOT. To speak to a human being at the IRS, all you have to do is follow these instructions. I wrote this article because like you, I was also frustrated for the lack of service you find at the I.R.S - The reason for this article is to help you get an IRS live representative on the line you can speak to. Some people have called the IRS and they got a live human being on the phone following my instructions here. there are some shortcuts and secrets to getting an agent on the phone. follow these steps for example:
I have create multiple procedures on how to get a live agent on the phone, lets start with the first procedure:
This is the first Procedure to communicate with a human being at the IRS. Please follow each step as describe in this tutorial. The steps are easy and straight forward, Click on the start button to begin:
1 800 829 1040 is the main telephone number for the IRS.
When you first call the IRS, you will be greeted by a recording. You will notice that the recording is pleasant. I am not sure if the voice changes from time to time from female to male, but the female voice sounds much nicer. Not sure why.
Finally follow the prompts for your particular question. if that doesn't work, continue reading, I will show you how you can get a live human being on the phone to the IRS on the next procedure.
I see that many people have commented that they are getting calls from the IRS. If anyone says they are from the IRS, they are FRAUD. Don't fall for these SCAMS. The IRS will never call you at random. If you are being sued by the IRS, you will receive a letter, not a phone call. or if the IRS calls you, is because you have asked them to call you. so if you get a call from the IRS asking for money.. BEWARE!!! is a SCAM. just hang up the phone. if they continue to harass you, call the police to investigate.
To talk to a live person at the IRS is very hard sometimes. Specially when its tax season. When I would call their number, i would always get an automatic respond system (machine robot) that gives you confusing prompts. I would sit through them waiting to see which prompt I would need, waiting for the last one hoping the next prompt is mine.... But to my disappointment, none of the prompts applied to my request.. Remember, the best way to contact the IRS is to just follow the instructions they provide in their prompts. its the best way for the IRS to try to help you with your particular situation as not everyone has the same situation as yours. I think the IRS tries to do a good job in helping people, so consider that they are under budget and perhaps they don't have the money to staff the phones with as many representatives as we all would like to.
The question is, how can I talk to an IRS agent directly and bypass all that recording... it was easy, all you had to do is call 800.829.1040, press option 1, and then option 2, then keep pressing the # in your phone and it the system would transfer me to an a live person. They often update or change their answering system so this stopped working for people in California, but it does work other other tax payers in other states like New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois. Colorado and New Jersey. There are others, so try it, Maybe your state has not upgraded to the new system. If you try this trick and it doesn't work, try the next solution. One way or another, we will help you get a IRS agent on the phone! :)
If the first procedure did not work for you, I will show you the second procedure that has worked for most of the tax payers calling the IRS. With this second procedure are you sure to get a live agent. Click on the Start button below to begin.
When you call the IRS main number: 800.829.1040, follow these prompts: 1, 2, 2, 4, 1 if for some reason these prompt do not work, click on the next step to see the next trick.
When you call the IRS main number: 800.829.1040, Follow these prompts: 1, 2, 1, 4, 2 - These prompts are different from the previous step. NOTE: The IRS is always changing their system, If this procedure did not work, try the next step.. One way or another, We are going to get you through a live person.
When you call the IRS main number: 800.829.1040, Follow these prompts: 1,5,3 This is the latest prompts that seem to be working for 2015 and for 2016 But if for some reason, this procedure did not work, click on the next step.
Fortunately, with all the comments from people like you, they've found a way to bypass the machine. As of April 2014, RKW method is the current way. Look for RKW's comments below If RKW's method does not work, try Darris' method instead. ALSO Look for PAM's comments in the comments section below. Her method seems to be working for alot of people this year (2016)
HELPFUL TIP: A great way to tell which method is currently working best, click on the 'Most Liked' button in the comments section. It will show the comments with the highest number of likes which means that is the procedure the works the best. So if you found someone's comments helpful, don't forget to reply to their comments, or at least give them a thumbs up
As of February, these are the machine prompts you will get when you contact the irs 800 phone number:
If you found a better way, please let us know and leave your comments. While you are waiting for an agent, Please leave your comments if this process worked for you. Don't forget to give a 'Thumbs Up' if someone's comments worked. :) UPDATE: The IRS is always changing their system, I try to keep up with their new prompts. Thanks to all your suggestions, I can update what is the newest way to communicate directly to a live agent at the IRS office.
Feb. 2017, This month the president signed an executive order to freeze hiring federal workers... what does this mean? it means that contacting the IRS is even going to get worst because the IRS cannot hire more people to answer the phones. You can read more about it
If you need further assistance, it is recommended that you contact your tax professional or visit the I.R.S Website at https://www.irs.gov
Hope that helps.
