contacting the irs: how to talk to an agent

I recently had to get in touch with the IRS. After several experiences of getting disconnected (the system decided that the agents were too busy and that it’d be better if I just called back another day) and getting in loops with the automated system that didn’t get me where I wanted to go, I did what I should have done immediately: Search for how to talk directly to an agent.

Fortunately, TaxSlayerPro.com has the answers! (I imagine the link will stay up to date… I make no guarantees about my site)

1. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during their support hours
2. of 7 AM to 7 PM local time Monday to Friday.
3. Select your language, pressing 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
4. Press 2 for questions about your personal income taxes.
5. Press 1 for questions about a form already filed or a payment.
6. Press 3 for all other questions.
7. Press 2 for all other questions.
8. Make no entry when queried for the SSN.
9. Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
10. Press 4 for all other questions.

This process takes ~2:45, and that’s before the “estimated wait times” - but at least I have some confidence that at the end of that, I’ll be talking with a live person!

Also, credit where it’s due: Ms. Hatton was absolutely lovely and really helped me out when I got through. It was also an hour+ long call.