The Ultimate Guide to Contacting the IRS by Phone (and Avoiding Long Wait Times)

Calling the IRS by phone often ranks among life’s most frustrating tasks. Long hold times, confusing automated menus, and the anxiety of sharing sensitive information can turn a simple inquiry into a marathon. Whether you need the IRS payment plan phone number or just want to talk to someone at the IRS, the process can feel impossible.

That’s why we’re going to share some tips and strategies with you for contacting the IRS without wasting a whole day on hold. At Lothamer Tax Resolution, our licensed professionals serve as your direct line to the IRS, handling calls, paperwork, and follow-up so you never wait on hold or risk miscommunication. We’ll help streamline all your IRS communications to save you stress and time.

Why Is the IRS Phone Wait So Long?

Let’s start by talking about why IRS phone lines are so overloaded right now.

Historical Staffing Cuts and Peak-Season Surges

Over the past decade, budget constraints led to major staffing reductions at the IRS. Between 2010 and 2020, the agency lost a large portion of its workforce while tax filing complexity and electronic submission volumes soared.

Things started to pick up again in 2020, and by 2024, the IRS had more than 100,000 employees—a 30-year high. But despite hiring approximately 31,000 more IRS employees in 2023 with Inflation Reduction Act funds, recent efforts at the federal level have begun to reduce the IRS workforce again.

During filing season and program expansions, remaining agents face waves of calls from refund inquiries, payment options requests, and audit notices, all of which are funneled through the same limited phone lines. Seasonal surges in March and April can triple daily call volume, creating backlogs that stretch into months for certain departments.

Common Automated Menu Traps

Before you even reach a human, you navigate a labyrinth of automated options. Pressing one for payments, two for account transcripts, three for offers in compromise, and zero for an agent feels logical until you’re rerouted back to the main menu.

Some IRS lines cycle callers through identical prompts, hoping enough people hang up before jamming the system further. Mis-tuned voice-recognition systems and ambiguous prompts add to the confusion, tempting callers to hit “0” repeatedly without relief.

Caller Hold-Time Statistics and Pain Points

On average, callers report wait times exceeding 20 minutes during off-peak months and up to two hours at peak season. Nearly 40 percent of callers abandon the call before speaking with an agent, delaying issue resolution and compounding stress. Key frustrations include dropped calls after extended holds, transfer loops between departments, and a lack of visibility into expected wait times.

When every minute on hold costs you productivity and peace of mind, it’s clear why it’s so common for people to ask, “How do I contact the IRS by phone?”—hoping for a way out of the vicious cycle.

Proven Tactics to Avoid Long Wait Times

Best Times to Call and Menu-Navigation Shortcuts

Timing makes a huge difference when you contact the IRS by phone. The shortest queues tend to occur early weekday mornings—between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.—and midweek (Tuesday through Thursday).

Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and dates near filing deadlines when hold times spike. When the interactive voice system answers, listen for prompts that let you press “1” for individual taxpayers, then “2” for payment plans.

If those options aren’t offered, enter your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number exactly as requested; accurate entry often bypasses some menu layers. Hanging up and calling back when the message indicates “all agents are busy” can get you into a shorter queue on your next attempt.

Use of Automated Callbacks and Alternative Numbers

Rather than staying on hold, take advantage of the IRS’s automated callback feature. After selecting the option, you keep your place in line without tying up your phone.

Some IRS divisions also publish separate direct-dial numbers—for example, the Automated Collection System has its own line for debit installment agreements. Look up the current IRS payment plan phone number for the service you need, as these extensions can route you to specialists faster. Third-party tax forums and IRS.gov updates often share lesser-known contact points that reduce wait times.

Quick Tips to Speed Your IRS Call

• Call before 9:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday
• Enter your SSN or EIN accurately when prompted
• Use the automated callback option to hold your place
• Reference the specific IRS payment plan phone number
• Keep a written summary of menu prompts and extensions

Steps to Talk to Someone at the IRS Successfully

Preparing Your Tax ID, PIN, and Documentation in Advance

Having your information ready cuts minutes off every call.

Before calling, locate your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your prior-year Adjusted Gross Income for identity verification, and any IRS-issued Personal Identification Number.

If you set up an IRS online account, have your login and phone PIN available as well. Gather recent notices, payment coupon stubs, or tax return transcripts to reference document numbers. Having clear answers prevents transfers caused by missing or mismatched data.

Escalation Paths and Requesting a Supervisor

If an agent cannot resolve your issue, politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Use phrases like “I appreciate your help; may I please escalate this to your supervisor?” If the agent resists, note their name and call back during a different shift for a fresh set of agents.

Certain IRS units, like Collection, Examination, and Taxpayer Advocate Service, all offer quicker escalation routes.

When to Hire a Tax Resolution Specialist

If repeated calls still leave you on hold or facing confusing IRS responses, it may be time to bring in expert representation. This is especially true if you’re facing major income tax debt or the IRS is threatening you with collection notices, liens, or wage garnishments. These are issues that can’t wait—they require seasoned experts to cut through the red tape and provide clarity.

We’ll prepare and submit accurate documentation, negotiate monthly payment plans, and attend calls or meetings with the IRS on your behalf. Partnering with a leading tax resolution specialist like Lothamer can help you eliminate guesswork, avoid missteps that trigger audits, and free up dozens of hours you’d otherwise spend waiting.

Take Control of IRS Communications With Lothamer

Our licensed professionals document each interaction, track timelines, and provide you with clear status updates so you know exactly where things stand. With expert guidance, you avoid frustration, protect your rights, and focus on life rather than hold-time misery.

We handle complex documentation, act as your official point of contact, and review every notice so nothing slips through the cracks. Whether you’re facing tax penalties and interest or an approaching due date, we’re here to help you navigate it all—including short-term payment plans, long-term payment plans, online tools, and more.