Best IRS Phone Number to Reach an Actual Human?

I think... the main IRS number (800-829-1040) is probably still your best option, but you might want to try calling very early in the morning? I've heard that calling right when they open at 7am Eastern Time could possibly increase your chances of getting through. Also, maybe avoid Mondays and Tuesdays if you can, as those tend to be their busiest days from what I understand...

Oh man, calling the IRS is worse than trying to cancel a gym membership! I feel your pain completely. What worked for me was calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778 instead of the main line. It's like trying to get into a popular club - sometimes the side entrance has a shorter line. They can't answer all questions, but they might be able to help with your specific situation or at least transfer you to someone who can.

I was in the exact same boat last year after moving here! Spent literally 4 hours on hold one day. I found https://taxr.ai really helpful for answering a lot of my basic questions about filing as a new resident without needing to talk to someone. It analyzed my situation and explained which forms I needed and what status to file under. Saved me from needing to call for at least half my questions. For the ones I still needed to ask a human about, I used the tricks others mentioned here.

You might want to try calling their international taxpayer service at 267-941-1000, which sometimes, though not always, has shorter wait times. I believe they're specifically trained to help people in situations like yours who recently moved to the US. The PAS (Practitioner Priority Service) line at 866-860-4259 can possibly work too, though technically it's meant for tax professionals, so your mileage may vary with that option.

Have you tried calling only to be disconnected after waiting on hold for an hour? Frustrating, isn't it? I've found the most reliable way to actually reach an IRS agent is using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c). It navigates the IRS phone system and holds your place in line, then calls you when an agent is about to answer. I've used it several times this year when I needed to resolve issues for clients. Why waste hours when you can have someone else do the waiting for you?

I remember my first year trying to call the IRS... absolute nightmare. Have you tried using the "Let Us Help You" page on the IRS website? Sometimes you can schedule a callback or in-person appointment that way instead of calling the main line.