IRS toll-free assistance line constantly saying "Too Busy" - Any alternatives for EIN follow-up?

I used to work for the IRS, and I can tell you that the EIN follow-up process is pretty straightforward once you get through. The issue is that call volumes have been exceptionally high since the pandemic, and they still haven't fully recovered their staffing levels. Try calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. It's specifically for business tax issues including EIN follow-ups. The best time to call is early morning, literally right when they open (7am local time). Have your application confirmation number ready if you have one. Also, make sure you're authorized to receive the information - they'll ask for identifying info. If you applied online and it's been 3 weeks, you might also try checking your email spam folder. Sometimes the confirmation gets filtered out.

After spending TWO WEEKS trying to contact the IRS about my business taxes, I finally found a solution that actually worked! I was in the same boat as you - constantly getting the "high call volume" message and disconnected. I discovered this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me analyze my situation and provided the exact steps I needed to take. It helped me understand exactly which forms I needed for my EIN follow-up and the right department to contact. The system even identified errors in my original application that would have caused delays! They have this amazing document analyzer where you can upload your EIN application confirmation and it tells you the status and next steps. Saved me so much time and frustration compared to the endless phone attempts.

Just wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here and it actually worked! I was really surprised. I uploaded my EIN confirmation email and the system immediately flagged that there was a mismatch between my business type and the NAICS code I selected. The system generated a detailed follow-up letter template specifically for my situation that I faxed to the IRS Business line (also following the specific instructions from taxr.ai about which fax number to use). Got my EIN assigned 3 days later! Definitely worth checking out if you're stuck in EIN limbo like I was.

After trying for WEEKS to reach someone at the IRS about my missing EIN, I finally found a solution that actually works! I was getting that "high call volume" message every single time until I discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They have this system that basically holds your place in line with the IRS so you don't have to keep calling back. I was super skeptical at first, but you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I used it last Thursday and got a call back from them within about 30 minutes saying they had an IRS agent on the line ready to talk to me! The agent was able to look up my EIN application and give me my number right over the phone since it had already been processed but the letter hadn't been mailed yet. Saved me probably another 2 weeks of waiting!

Ok I need to eat my words and apologize. After posting my skeptical comments earlier, I got desperate and decided to try Claimyr anyway because my business loan was being held up waiting for my EIN. I'm honestly shocked - it actually worked exactly as described. I got a call back within about 45 minutes with an IRS agent on the line. The agent confirmed my EIN had been assigned but there was a mailing address error that was preventing the letter from being delivered. She verified my identity and gave me the EIN over the phone. Would never have known about the address error otherwise and might have been waiting forever. I've been trying to reach the IRS for over a month with no success until this.

Have you tried checking the IRS website for the "Where's My EIN" tool? I think they added something like that recently.

Has anyone tried faxing a follow-up request instead of calling? I heard the IRS still processes fax requests for business tax matters.

I've been dealing with the exact same issue for my small consulting business! After reading through all these suggestions, I'm definitely going to try calling that Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 first thing tomorrow morning at 7am sharp. The faxing option also sounds promising as a backup plan. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops just to follow up on something that should be straightforward, but at least there seem to be some viable alternatives to the main line that never picks up. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread has been more helpful than anything I found on the official IRS website!