How to check IRS balance owed? What to prepare before calling?

When I called the IRS to check my balance, I made sure to have my Social Security Number and any recent IRS notices handy. They'll definitely ask for those. Also, consider requesting a detailed account transcript - it gives you a full picture of your tax situation.

Pro tip: call early in the morning right when they open. You'll have a better chance of getting through quickly.

I'm in the same boat, OP. The IRS website has some self-service options too. Have you tried checking your account online? Might save you a call altogether.

Prepare for a looong wait time. Bring snacks, a good book, and maybe some calming music. You're gonna need it lol

Here's a comprehensive list of what you should have ready before calling the IRS: 1. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number 2. Any IRS notices you've received recently 3. Your most recent tax return 4. Income information for the year in question 5. Any estimated tax payments you've made 6. Information about deductions or credits you've claimed 7. A pen and paper to take notes Remember to be patient and polite with the IRS agent. They deal with frustrated people all day, so a little kindness can go a long way. Good luck!

Am I the only one who finds it ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to find out how much we owe? The system is broken, man. 🤦‍♂️

Hey guys, I actually found a way to skip the hold time. There's this service called claimyr.com that calls for you, waits on hold, and then connects you when an agent picks up. It costs $20, but it saved me hours of waiting. Here's the link: https://www.claimyr.com

Another option to consider is requesting your account transcript by mail or fax - it's free and gives you a complete breakdown of your tax account, including any balances owed, payments made, and penalties/interest. You can request it using Form 4506-T or by calling the automated transcript line at 1-800-908-9946. It takes about 5-10 business days to receive by mail, but you don't have to deal with hold times. Just have your SSN, date of birth, and filing status ready when you call the automated line.