IRS couldn't hear me on call after long hold - any solutions?
I had to call the IRS about my taxes and when I finally got through, they couldn't hear me! I tried speaking louder but still no luck. Has anyone else had this problem? It's so frustrating to wait on hold forever only to have technical issues.
24 comments

Ella Thompson
Ugh, that sucks! I've had similar issues with government phone lines. Sometimes the connection is just terrible. Did you try calling back?
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Matthew Sanchez
AuthorYeah, I tried calling back but got stuck on hold again. It's like a never-ending cycle š«
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JacksonHarris
Next time, try using a landline if you have access to one. Cell connections can be spotty with these old government systems.
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Matthew Sanchez
AuthorGood idea, I'll see if I can borrow my neighbor's landline. Thanks for the tip!
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Jeremiah Brown
I found a method to 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 a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c
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Royal_GM_Mark
Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Amelia Cartwright
$20 just to talk to someone? The system is so broken š¤¦āāļø
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Jeremiah Brown
I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Chris King
How does it actually work? Do they just keep calling until they get through?
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Jeremiah Brown
Yeah, basically. They have a system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold. When a real person answers, it calls you.
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Rachel Clark
Pro tip: call right when they open in the morning. You're more likely to get through and the staff aren't as burnt out yet.
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Zachary Hughes
have you tried turning it off and on again? 𤣠jk jk... but seriously, sometimes its the simplest solutions that work
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Matthew Sanchez
AuthorLol if only it were that easy! š
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Mia Alvarez
The IRS phone system is a joke. I've been trying to resolve an issue for months. It's like they don't want us to actually talk to anyone.
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Carter Holmes
Preach! š It's a bureaucratic nightmare
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Sophia Long
Have you tried reaching out to your local congressperson? Sometimes they can help push things along.
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Angelica Smith
As someone who used to work in a call center, here's some advice for dealing with government agencies like the IRS: ⢠Always note the time and date you call ⢠Get the name or ID of the person you speak with ⢠Ask for a reference number for your call ⢠Follow up any phone conversations with a written letter or email ⢠Be patient and polite, even when frustrated ⢠If possible, use their online tools or portals first ⢠Consider calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) ⢠Have all your relevant documents ready before calling Remember, the person on the other end is just doing their job and dealing with outdated systems. Staying calm and organized can go a long way in getting your issue resolved.
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Matthew Sanchez
AuthorWow, thanks for the detailed advice! I'll definitely try these next time.
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Logan Greenburg
This should be pinned at the top of the subreddit tbh
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Charlotte Jones
Great tips! I'd add: record the call if it's legal in your state. It can be helpful if there are discrepancies later.
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Lucas Bey
I feel your pain, OP. Last year I spent 6 hours on hold only to have the call drop right as someone picked up. I nearly threw my phone across the room š¤
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Harper Thompson
have u tried sending a fax? sounds crazy but sometimes old school methods work better with these dinosaur agencies lol
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Matthew Sanchez
AuthorA fax? What year is it? š But you might be onto something...
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Malia Ponder
I've been through this exact same nightmare! Audio issues are super common with IRS calls. A few things that have worked for me: 1) Try calling from a different phone/location - sometimes it's a network issue on your end, 2) Ask the agent to transfer you to a different line if the audio is bad, 3) If you have a headset or earbuds with a mic, use those instead of speakerphone. The IRS agents are usually understanding about technical difficulties since it happens so often. Don't give up - you'll eventually get through to someone who can hear you properly!
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