IRS won't answer my phone calls - tried for weeks straight

The IRS phone system is definitely a challenge this time of year. Your best bet is to call right when they open at 7am Eastern Time (they're open Monday through Friday). Have all your information ready - your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and any notice numbers from the letter they sent you. When you call the main number (800-829-1040), be prepared to navigate through several automated menus. Don't select options about refunds or filing - choose options related to "other tax questions" or "notices received" to increase your chances of reaching someone who can help with your specific issue. If you're still within your 30-day window, another approach is to write a response letter explaining your position about the business deductions with supporting documentation. Send it certified mail so you have proof you responded within the timeframe, even if you haven't been able to speak with someone directly.

I was in the exact same situation last month trying to reach them about a mistake on my tax transcript. After dozens of failed attempts, I discovered a service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that completely changed my experience. I uploaded my IRS notice letter and tax documents, and they analyzed everything to pinpoint exactly what was wrong with my return and how to address it. The guidance they provided was super specific to my situation - they explained which deductions were being questioned and gave me the exact tax code references I needed to cite when talking to the IRS. They even provided a suggested script for my call that made the conversation so much more productive when I finally got through.

So I decided to give taxr.ai a try after seeing the recommendation here, and wow - what a difference it made. I uploaded my CP2000 notice and within hours got a detailed breakdown showing exactly where the IRS misunderstood my home business deductions. The analysis pointed out that the IRS missed the connection between two Schedule C forms I had filed (I run two separate businesses), making it look like I had claimed the same expenses twice. When I finally got through to the IRS this morning (7:05 AM call!), I was able to explain the exact issue using the language taxr.ai suggested. The agent was able to fix it right away instead of making me mail in a ton of documentation. Saved me from paying $3,200 I didn't actually owe!

Look, I know the frustration with IRS phone lines all too well. After spending literally DAYS trying to get through about an amended return issue, I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They basically hold your place in line with the IRS and then call you when an agent is about to pick up. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super skeptical at first because it sounded too good to be true, but I was desperate. I entered my information, and about 3 hours later got a call connecting me directly to an IRS representative. No hold music, no automated system - just straight to a human who could actually help me. It saved me literally hours of my life that I would have spent on hold.

I need to publicly eat my words. After my skeptical comment, I was still desperate enough to try Claimyr because my tax issue deadline was approaching fast. Not only did it work, but I had an IRS agent on the phone within about 2 hours of signing up. I've been calling for THREE WEEKS trying to explain that I never received the stimulus payment they claim I got (which affected my Recovery Rebate Credit). The agent I spoke to was able to verify I hadn't received the payment and initiated a trace on it. She even gave me her direct extension in case I needed to follow up! I feel silly for being so negative before, but honestly, after weeks of failed attempts to reach someone, it seemed impossible that anything could actually help. Huge relief to finally have this resolved.

Another trick that sometimes works is calling the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service instead of the main line. Their number is 877-777-4778. They can't handle every issue, but if your situation is causing financial hardship or you've tried multiple times to resolve it through normal channels, they might be able to help. Also, some regional IRS offices allow you to schedule in-person appointments if your issue is complex. Might be worth looking into that option if phone calls continue to be unsuccessful.

If it's a CP2000 notice you received (the letter that proposes changes to your tax return), you can also respond by fax or mail without having to speak to someone. The notice should include a response form where you can indicate whether you agree or disagree with their adjustments. If you disagree, include a detailed explanation and documentation supporting your business deductions. The key is making sure your response is postmarked before the deadline on your notice.

I went through this exact nightmare last year with a business deduction dispute. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the practitioner priority line (866-860-4259) early in the morning. Even though it's technically for tax professionals, they sometimes transfer individual taxpayers to regular agents, and the wait times are usually much shorter. Also, if you're running out of time on that 30-day deadline, you can request an extension by calling or writing. The IRS will usually grant a reasonable extension (typically 30-60 additional days) if you explain that you've been unable to reach them despite multiple attempts. Just make sure to request this BEFORE your original deadline expires. One more tip - if you do get through to someone, ask them to annotate your account with the date and time of your call attempts. This creates a paper trail showing you made good faith efforts to resolve the issue within the timeframe, which can be helpful if there are any disputes later.

I feel your pain - went through this exact same situation a few months ago! One thing that really helped me was using the IRS's online account system (irs.gov) to view my account transcript before calling. This gave me all the specific reference numbers and dates I needed, which made my eventual conversation with an agent much more efficient. Also, try calling the automated line (800-829-1040) and selecting option 2 for "Personal Income Tax" then option 1 for "Form 1040" then option 3 for "Specific Tax Law Questions" - this path sometimes has shorter wait times than the general inquiry line. If you're really stuck, consider reaching out to a local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site or contacting your congressman's office. Congressional offices often have dedicated IRS liaisons who can help constituents with tax issues, and they're surprisingly responsive to these kinds of problems. Don't give up - that $1,875 is worth fighting for, especially if you're confident about your business deductions!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and wanted to share what's been working for me. After reading through all these suggestions, I tried the 7am call strategy and actually got through yesterday! The key was calling at exactly 7:00 AM Eastern and being persistent with the menu options. Here's what I learned from my call: If you're dealing with business deductions specifically, make sure you have your Schedule C handy along with all supporting documentation. The agent I spoke with was able to pull up my return immediately and walk through each questioned deduction line by line. One thing that really helped was organizing my documents beforehand - I had receipts sorted by category (office supplies, travel, equipment, etc.) and could quickly reference amounts when she asked. The whole call took about 25 minutes once I got through, which was way faster than I expected. For your business deduction dispute, definitely emphasize that you kept detailed records and can provide documentation. The agent told me that most of these CP2000 notices for business expenses get resolved quickly when taxpayers can substantiate their claims with proper documentation. Also, don't be afraid to ask the agent to email you a summary of what was discussed - mine was super helpful about putting our conversation in writing so I had a record of the resolution.

I've been following this thread closely since I'm in almost the exact same boat - CP2000 notice with business deduction issues and can't get through to anyone at the IRS. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful! I wanted to add one more strategy that worked for a colleague of mine: she called the IRS's Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Even though it's technically for business tax questions, they were able to help her with Schedule C deduction issues from her individual return. The wait times on this line are sometimes shorter than the main individual tax line, especially mid-week. Also, for anyone worried about that 30-day deadline - I spoke with a tax professional who confirmed that if you can document your attempts to reach the IRS (like keeping a log of call times and dates), this can help protect you from penalties even if you go slightly over the deadline. The IRS has "reasonable cause" provisions for situations where taxpayers made good faith efforts to comply but couldn't get through their phone system. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences with the various services and strategies - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with IRS issues!

I've been dealing with IRS phone issues for years, and one thing that's helped me is using the Spanish language line even if you speak English. Call 800-829-1040 and when you get to the language selection, choose Spanish (option 2). Once you're connected to an agent, you can explain that you'd prefer to continue in English - most of the Spanish-speaking agents are bilingual and can help you in English. The wait times on the Spanish line are typically much shorter. Another tip that's worked for me: if you're calling about a CP2000 notice specifically, try calling the Automated Collection System at 800-829-7650. While this line is primarily for collection issues, they can often address notice disputes too, especially when it involves business deductions. Just be prepared to explain that you received a CP2000 and are disputing the proposed changes. Keep that log of your call attempts that others have mentioned - it's saved me from penalties twice when I couldn't get through before a deadline. The IRS really does consider "reasonable cause" when you can show documented effort to reach them. Good luck! Don't give up - those business deductions are legitimate and worth defending.

I completely understand your frustration - I went through this exact same nightmare about 6 months ago with a similar business deduction dispute. The phone system is absolutely broken, and it's maddening when you're up against a deadline. Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of failed attempts: I combined the 7 AM calling strategy with having my documentation already organized by category before I even dialed. When I finally got through (took about 15 minutes on hold, which felt like a miracle), the agent could resolve my dispute in one call because I had everything ready - receipts sorted by expense type, dates, amounts, the works. The key thing that saved me was keeping a detailed log of every single call attempt with dates, times, and how long I waited. When I explained to the agent that I'd been trying to reach them for weeks, she actually noted this in my file and made sure there were no penalty issues since I'd demonstrated good faith effort to resolve it within the original timeframe. Don't lose hope - that $1,875 is absolutely worth the fight, especially if you're confident about your deductions. The system is frustrating, but once you get a human on the line, they can usually sort these business expense disputes pretty quickly if you have your documentation ready.

I've been dealing with IRS phone issues for the past two years, and I wanted to share a few additional strategies that have helped me get through when the standard approaches weren't working. One thing I discovered is calling during the last week of the month - apparently their call volume drops significantly then because fewer people are dealing with immediate deadlines. I've had much better luck getting through on Wednesdays and Thursdays during that timeframe. Also, if you're comfortable with technology, you can set up multiple phones (or ask family members to help) and call different IRS numbers simultaneously. I've used the main line (800-829-1040), the practitioner line (866-860-4259), and the business line (800-829-4933) all at once. Whichever one gets through first, I take that call and hang up the others. It's a bit aggressive, but when you're facing a deadline and have legitimate tax issues to resolve, sometimes you have to get creative. For your business deduction dispute specifically - make sure you can clearly explain the business purpose of each deduction they're questioning. The IRS agents I've spoken with are usually pretty reasonable if you can demonstrate that expenses were ordinary and necessary for your business operations. Having a simple one-page summary of your disputed deductions with brief explanations can make the call go much smoother. Don't give up! The system is frustrating, but your persistence will pay off.

I've been in your exact situation with a CP2000 notice, and after reading through all these helpful responses, I want to add one more strategy that worked for me recently. Try calling the IRS at 844-545-5640 - this is their Identity Protection Specialized Unit line, but they can often transfer you to the right department for notice disputes, and the hold times are usually much shorter than the main line. When I called this number about my own business deduction dispute, I was upfront with the agent that I had received a CP2000 notice and needed to speak with someone about contesting it. Instead of hanging up on me, she was able to transfer me directly to the appropriate department without having to go through the main phone maze again. Also, I want to echo what others have said about the written response option. Even if you do get through by phone, send a follow-up letter with your supporting documentation via certified mail. This creates a paper trail and ensures your response is officially on record. I learned this the hard way when a phone resolution got "lost" in their system and I had to start over. The combination of persistence with phone calls AND having a written backup has been the most reliable approach in my experience. That $1,875 is definitely worth fighting for - don't let their broken phone system discourage you from defending legitimate business expenses!

I've been following this thread with great interest since I'm dealing with a similar CP2000 notice situation. After trying the traditional phone routes for weeks without success, I decided to explore some of the alternative approaches mentioned here. What really caught my attention was the discussion about AI-powered tax analysis services. I was initially skeptical, but given my approaching deadline and repeated phone failures, I decided to try one of the services mentioned. The detailed analysis I received helped me understand exactly which business deductions were being questioned and why. The service identified that the IRS was likely confused about the business use percentage of my home office expenses and provided specific language to explain the calculation. Armed with this information, when I finally got through using the 7 AM calling strategy (third attempt at exactly 7:00 AM), I was able to resolve my $2,100 discrepancy in just one 20-minute call. For anyone still struggling with phone access, I'd recommend combining multiple strategies: prepare your documentation thoroughly beforehand, try the alternative phone numbers people have shared, and don't be afraid to use technology solutions to better understand your specific situation before you call. The investment in preparation really pays off when you finally reach a human agent. The IRS system is definitely broken, but don't give up - legitimate business deductions are worth defending!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been struggling with a similar CP2000 notice for business expenses, and reading everyone's strategies has given me hope that I can actually get through to someone. I wanted to add one more tip that worked for my neighbor last month: she called the IRS's Toll-Free Customer Service line at 800-829-0922, which is specifically for prior year tax returns. Even though it seems like it wouldn't be the right line for a current notice, they were able to help her with her business deduction dispute because it related to her previous year's filing. Also, for anyone keeping a call log (which seems essential based on everyone's advice), I recommend including the specific automated menu path you took each time. This helps you replicate successful attempts and also provides detailed documentation if you need to prove your good faith efforts later. I'm planning to combine the 7 AM calling strategy with the alternative phone numbers mentioned here, plus I'll have all my receipts organized by category beforehand. The success stories shared here are really motivating - it's clear that persistence plus preparation is the winning combination. Thanks everyone for turning what felt like an impossible situation into a manageable action plan!

I just went through this exact same frustration last month! After reading through all these excellent strategies, I want to add one more approach that finally worked for me when everything else failed. Try calling the IRS's Exempt Organizations line at 877-829-5500 and explaining that you need help with a business-related tax issue. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but when I called, the agent was able to transfer me to the right department for my Schedule C dispute without having to navigate the main phone system. The wait time was only about 10 minutes compared to the hours I'd been spending on the main line. Also, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have your EIN (if you have one) and all your business documentation organized before calling. The agent I spoke with was able to pull up my account immediately and we resolved a $2,400 business expense dispute in just one call because I had everything categorized and ready. For your specific situation with the 30-day deadline, definitely call the Taxpayer Advocate Service number that others mentioned AND send a certified letter explaining your repeated attempts to contact them. This creates protection against penalties while you're still trying to reach someone. Don't give up - these business deduction disputes are usually very resolvable once you get the right person on the phone. The system is broken, but your persistence will pay off!

I've been in a very similar situation and want to share what ultimately worked for me after weeks of phone frustration. The key breakthrough came when I started calling the IRS Appeals Office directly at 855-926-1670. Even though appeals sounds like it's for later stages, they can often help with CP2000 notice disputes, especially when you're running up against deadlines. What made the biggest difference was calling with a very specific script: "I received a CP2000 notice dated [date] regarding business deductions on my 2024 return, and I've been unable to reach anyone through the main customer service line despite multiple attempts over [number] weeks. I need to respond before my deadline on [date]." The appeals officer I reached was incredibly helpful and actually walked me through exactly what documentation I needed to submit. She also put a temporary hold on any collection actions while my case was being reviewed, which took the pressure off that 30-day deadline. One thing that really helped my case was having already tried the written response route - I had sent a certified letter with my supporting documentation, but hadn't heard back. The appeals officer was able to see this in their system and noted that I had made good faith efforts through multiple channels. For your $1,875 business deduction dispute, definitely try this route if the other phone numbers aren't working. Sometimes going slightly "outside the box" with which department you contact can get you to a resolution faster than fighting the main phone system.