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IRS Collections Phone Number: Live Human Help

Thomas Maxon, CEO & Co-founder of Claimyr | last updated: 10/21/2023

Have you been dialing the IRS Collections phone line 800-829-7650 to reach a human? This guide covers how to call and reach a live human at the IRS Collections. Also, we provide you with a guaranteed way to speak with an agent within a few hours.

Table of contents

How to call the IRS Collections phone number and speak with a human using a shortcut

Use the widget below to find out the best times, how to call, and a guaranteed method to reach a live IRS Collections customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the IRS Collections phone number below, you can place a IRS Collections call here to guarantee you reach a human.

For those who are looking to set up a payment plan with the IRS and would prefer to discuss their options directly, you can find detailed IRS Payment Plan Contact Information to help streamline the process and save time.

How can I speak to a live person at the IRS Collections?

There are two methods to reach a live person:

  • 1.) by calling manually over and over again, get on a long hold, and then hope the call doesn't drop -- and I'll show you how to do that,
  • 2.) use a calling tool that dials for you, stays on hold, and forwards a call to your phone number when an agent is on the line. (RECOMMENDED)

If you're also looking to obtain your IRS Tax Return Transcript, you might consider using the same IRS Tax Return Transcript Request service to save time and streamline your dealings with the IRS.

Option 1 (SLOW): call manually - time to a human rep = 2+ hours.

Below is the best way to manually dial through their menu faster:

  • Step 1: Dial 8008297650
  • Step 2: Wait for 12 seconds
  • Step 3: Press 1
  • Step 4: Wait for 1.0 minute(s) 0 seconds
  • Step 5: Press 1
  • Step 6: Wait for 3 seconds

If you find yourself needing additional assistance after following these steps, consider reaching out to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service for personalized support.

Option 2 (FAST): use a call app - time to a human rep = 5-40 min.

By far the fastest option is to use software. Robots are simply better at this task than humans ever can be.

  • Step 1: head to Claimyr
  • Step 2: select/search for "IRS Collections"
  • Step 3: pay for Claimyr to call for you (yes it's a paid version, but it honestly works very well. You can research Claimyr before buying to be sure)
  • Step 4: kick back, relax, and wait for your phone to ring with a IRS Collections agent on the line!

If you prefer to speak directly with an agent, you can also find the phone numbers for local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, which may provide more personalized service, by visiting IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers'.

The IRS Collections's hours of operation

The IRS Collections is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (EST)

If you suspect you've been a victim of identity theft, it's important to contact the IRS Identity Theft Assistance outside of the standard IRS Collections hours to ensure your issue is addressed promptly.

What is the best time to call the IRS Collections?

Do not call during these times (unless you are using Claimyr, which then you can order a callback 24/7 Monday - Sunday):

  • 👎 Monday mornings
  • 👎 After 5 pm on any day
  • 👎 Friday afternoons (as you'll likely not solve your issue until the following week)

But again, if you are using Claimyr's automated callback tool, then you will be able to place a call literally anytime during the day and get a callback soon after.

The best time to call the IRS Collections is Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. ⚠️WARNING⚠️: please beware that you often need to dedicate an entire day to dialing over and over just to get on hold. Also, the IRS Collections is notorious for dropping calls even when you finally do get on hold! So if you decide to start calling mid-week, due to excessive call volume, you may not be able to reach an agent until the following week or longer.

If you don't consider calling the IRS Collections a full-time profession, consider using a calling tool such as Claimyr to guarantee a callback with an agent on the line with zero hold time.