IRS balance due for 6+ weeks - tips for getting exact amount?
Hey everyone, I've been waiting for over 6 weeks to find out my balance due with the IRS. I just want to clear this off my plate. Has anyone had luck getting through to them lately? I'm trying to confirm the exact amount I owe. Any tips on what to ask for when I finally reach someone?
24 comments


Justin Trejo
Ugh, been there done that. The IRS is a nightmare to deal with. Have you tried checking your account online? Sometimes they update the balance there before sending out notices.
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Marina Hendrix
•Yeah, I checked online but it's not showing any updates. That's why I'm trying to get through on the phone. It's so frustrating!
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Alana Willis
•Online never works for me either. Its like were living in the stone age or something 🙄
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Justin Trejo
•Stone age is right! You'd think they'd have this figured out by now. Good luck OP, hope you get through soon!
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Tyler Murphy
When you finally get through, ask for a detailed breakdown of your balance. Make sure to get info on any penalties or interest too. And dont forget to write down the name of who you talk to!
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Sara Unger
6 weeks? That's nothing. I've been waiting for 3 months to get a straight answer from them. The whole system is broken.
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Butch Sledgehammer
•3 months? Amateur hour. Try 6 months and counting 😭
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Sara Unger
•Oof, now that's rough. We're all in the same sinking boat I guess 🚢
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Freya Ross
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's the link: https://www.claimyr.com
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Leslie Parker
•Sounds sketchy. Is this legit?
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Freya Ross
•Totally get the skepticism, but yeah it's legit. I was desperate and took a chance. Saved me hours of hold time.
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Sergio Neal
•How does it work exactly? Do they just keep calling until they get through?
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Freya Ross
•Pretty much. They have some tech that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold. When a real person picks up, it calls you. Beats listening to that awful hold music for hours!
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Savanna Franklin
Here's what I've learned from my many, MANY calls to the IRS: 1. Call early in the morning, right when they open. 2. Have all your docs ready - they'll ask for your SSN, previous year's tax return info, etc. 3. Be super nice to the agent - they deal with angry people all day. 4. Ask for a detailed explanation of your balance, including any penalties or interest. 5. Get a reference number for your call. 6. If possible, ask them to send you a written statement of your balance. 7. If you can't pay in full, ask about payment plans. Hope this helps! Dealing with the IRS is a pain, but stay persistent.
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Marina Hendrix
•Wow, thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely follow these steps. Really appreciate you taking the time to write all this out.
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Juan Moreno
•This guy IRSes 👆
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Amy Fleming
have u tried faxing them? sometimes that works faster than calling lol
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Alice Pierce
•What year is it, 1995? 📠😂
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Amy Fleming
•ikr? but i swear it worked for me once. government agencies are stuck in the past 🤷♂️
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Esteban Tate
Pro tip: if you owe less than $50,000, you can set up a payment plan online without even talking to anyone. Might be worth checking out if you just want to get it over with.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
Anyone else think its crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops just to pay them OUR money? The system is so backwards 🤦♂️
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Elin Robinson
•Preach! 🙌 It's like they make it difficult on purpose
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Atticus Domingo
Have you considered hiring a tax professional to deal with this for you? Sometimes it's worth the money to save yourself the headache.
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Marina Hendrix
•I've thought about it, but was hoping to avoid the extra expense. Might have to bite the bullet though if I can't get this sorted soon.
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