How do I get through to the IRS automated system?

Asked by: Aleen Leannon  |  Last update: January 12, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (61 votes)

  1. Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).
  2. If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.

How do I get past the IRS automated system?

Here's how to get through to a representative:
  1. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during their support hours. ...
  2. Select your language, pressing 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
  3. Press 2 for questions about your personal income taxes.
  4. Press 1 for questions about a form already filed or a payment.
  5. Press 3 for all other questions.

How do I speak to a live person through the IRS?

Or: For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long. This option works best for less complex questions.

Where is my refund automated system?

Where's My Refund has the latest information on your return. If you don't have internet, call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 for a current-year refund or 866-464-2050 for an amended return. For prior-year refunds, check Where's My Refund.

What is the phone number for the IRS automated payment?

Another option for both businesses and individuals is the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. You must enroll to use this system. You can pay online or by phone at 1-800-555-3453. With EFTPS, you can opt in to receive email notifications about your electronic payments.

IRS How to Reach a Live Agent Skip Automated System

20 related questions found

How do I contact the IRS to confirm my payment?

If it's been at least two weeks since you sent the payment to the IRS and your financial institution verifies that the check hasn't cleared your account, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to ask if the payment has been credited to your tax account.

What is the minimum payment the IRS will accept?

The IRS minimum monthly payment is typically your total tax debt divided by 72 unless you specify a different amount. Short-term and long-term payment plans are available, depending on your debt amount and eligibility. Setting up a direct debit payment plan online is the most cost-effective option.

What is the number for the IRS automated refund?

Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.

What phone number is 800-829-0922?

Visit www.irs.gov/paymentplan for more information on installment agreements and online payment agreements. You can also call us at 1- 800-829-0922 to discuss your options. For information on how to obtain your current account balance or payment history, go to www.irs.gov/balancedue.

Is the IRS system automated?

Instead, to increase its tax collection efficiency, the IRS utilizes something called the Automated Collection System, or ACS.

What is the fastest way to talk to the IRS?

You can call 1-800-829-1040 to get answers to your federal tax questions 24 hours a day. Tax forms and instructions for current and prior years are available by calling 1-800-829-3676. You can also order free publications on a wide variety of tax topics.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for review?

See our Held or Stopped Refund page or our video for more information. If the IRS is reviewing your return, the review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing. Follow these steps if you know you made a mistake, before the IRS contacts you.

What phone number is 1-800-829-8374?

Tax practitioners with account or tax law questions may call 800-829-8374.

How do I speak to a live person at the IRS?

Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).

Why is my refund still processing?

The IRS can delay your tax refund until it completes any audits. This is most common when the IRS is conducting a mail audit on your EITC or ACTC return from a prior year.

Why is the IRS so hard to get ahold of?

Specifically, during fiscal year (FY) 2021, the IRS received a record 282 million calls, but only 32 million of those calls were answered by CSRs. In the first half of 2021 alone, fewer than 15,000 employees were available to handle more than 240 million calls – one person for every 16,000 calls.

What is the phone number for the IRS 800 829 4933?

Help for small businesses, corporations, partnerships and trusts who need information or help preparing business returns is available at the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.

What number is 800-829-7650?

The IRS notice will NOT be issued if you previously received a notice of our intent to levy that advised you of your right to a hearing. The state and IRS notices refer you to call 800-829-7650 or 800-829-3903 for assistance.

Is 833 678 7020 a real IRS number?

Call the phone number on your notice. Or contact 833-678-7020. You may be offered a call-back option, so you don't have to wait on hold.

What number is 800-829-0922?

Keep in mind that any interest you receive on tax refunds is considered taxable income during the year you receive it. Call us at 1-800-829-0922 to review your account with a representative. Be sure to have your account information available when you call.

How do I contact the IRS about my ERC refund?

They can also confirm if a refund check has already been issued, and in some limited cases, where the IRS has issued a check that a client has not received. If a business would like to call the IRS to get a limited update, they can call 800.829. 4933.

How do I know if the IRS received my tax return?

The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of the taxpayer's e-filed return.

How much will the IRS usually settle for?

How much will the IRS settle for? The IRS will often settle for what it deems you can feasibly pay. To determine this, the agency will take into account your assets (home, car, etc.), your income, your monthly expenses (rent, utilities, child care, etc.), your savings, and more.

Can you call the IRS and make a payment over the phone?

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System is a free service that gives taxpayers a safe and convenient way to pay individual and business taxes online or by phone using the EFTPS® Voice Response System. For enrollment information, visit EFTPS.gov or call 800-555-4477.