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IRS Transcript Phone Number: Live Human Help

Thomas Maxon, CEO & Co-founder of Claimyr | last updated: 11/04/2023

You can request a transcript from the IRS automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946. After you get the transcript, call the IRS tax return transcript phone line at (800) 829-1040. This guide covers how to call and reach a live human at the IRS regarding your tax return transcript. Also, we provide you with a guaranteed way to speak with an agent within a few hours.

Calling the IRS Tax Return Transcript Request Phone Number

Table of contents

How to call the IRS Transcript 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 Transcript customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the IRS Transcript phone number below, you can place a IRS Transcript call here to guarantee you reach a human.

If you are also looking to set up a payment plan with the IRS, you can find the necessary IRS Payment Plan Contact Information to help you navigate the process with ease.

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

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 experiencing significant hardship and need specialized assistance with your tax issues, you might consider contacting the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, which can offer personalized help with resolving tax problems.

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 (800) 829-1040
  • Step 2: Wait for 5 seconds
  • Step 3: Press 1
  • Step 4: Wait for 15 seconds
  • Step 5: Press 2
  • Step 6: Wait for 7 seconds
  • Step 7: Press 1
  • Step 8: Wait for 20 seconds
  • Step 9: Press 3
  • Step 10: Wait for 13 seconds
  • Step 11: Press 2
  • Step 12: Wait for 56 seconds
  • Step 13: Press 2
  • Step 14: Wait for 15 seconds
  • Step 15: Press 3
  • Step 16: Wait for 29 seconds

If you find the wait too lengthy or prefer in-person assistance, consider visiting one of the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers for direct help with your tax queries.

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 Transcript "
  • 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 an IRS Transcript agent on the line!

If you suspect you've been a victim of identity theft and need specialized help, Claimyr also offers direct access to the IRS Identity Theft Assistance line, which can save you time when dealing with such sensitive issues.

The IRS Transcript's hours of operation

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

If you need assistance outside of these hours or have specific questions regarding outstanding taxes, you may want to contact the IRS Collections Department, which can provide further guidance on your account.

What is the best time to call the IRS Transcript?

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 Transcript 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 Transcript 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 Transcript 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.