"What's the IRS phone number?"
I can't tell you how many times I have heard and read that question. Especially, during tax season. The crazy thing is nobody wants, 1-800-829-1040. Everyone wants to get directly to their department to get their client's issue resolved as soon as possible.
I don't blame them, at all. Time is money and it is wise to make the best of it. It wasn't until I started joining more tax communities that I didn't realize that some of these phone numbers are not common knowledge. Especially the ones for tax professionals. If you are a tax professional there is a dedicated line you can call for general tax law questions or to fight for your client.
This line is the Practicioner Priority Service line also known as PPS. This phone number is only for tax practitioners. If you are a taxpayer calling this line about your issue they will give you a courtesy disconnect after referring you to 1-800-829-1040.
Note: If you are a taxpayer looking for the correct IRS number to call check out my latest article on LinkedIn - IRS Phone Numbers for Taxpayers
All tax professionals can call for general tax questions. Those with limited representation rights can call about returns they prepared. The other extensions are for credentialed tax professionals only.
The IRS has this line staffed by customer service representatives who specialize in handling tax professional's questions. These questions can range from general tax law to handling a correspondence exam. The IRS phone number for tax professionals is 1-866-860-4259. Their business hours are 7 a.m. local time to 7 p.m. local time.
Below is a table with the numbers for the PPS line phone tree.
IRS Department | IRS Phone number and extension |
Practitioner Priority Services | 1-866-860-4259 |
General Tax Law Questions | 1-866-860-4259, 1 |
Individual Accounts not in collections | 1-866-860-4259, 2 |
Business Accounts not in collections | 1-866-860-4259, 3 |
Automated Collections (ACS) | 1-866-860-4259, 4 |
Automated Underreporter Notice | 1-866-860-4259, 5 |
Correspondence Audit | 1-866-860-4259,6 |
But there's one problem with that number, it's not a direct line to the department you need. Yes, there is a phone tree where you can press a certain number to reach a specific department but it doesn't always go smoothly. For example, you may press 4 because you need to handle an individual account in collections. However, after 30 minutes on hold, you may have someone from the individual line who can't handle collections pick up. This is beyond frustrating.
The IRS has attempted to make this better with the launch of its call-back program. Personally, I love it! It allows me to work on something else while waiting for the IRS to call back. I love seeing that West Virginia number calling me, if you know you know. But a call back is not always guaranteed.
That is why having the direct number to the line you need is key to saving time and being more efficient in your business. So I have created a list of the most important numbers you need as an Enrolled Agent when you need to reach the IRS. Direct numbers, not just the practitioner phone tree I shared above.
Below you'll find the direct IRS phone numbers for these departments:
If the IRS has referred your account to a revenue officer you will not be able to call any of these lines for information, outside of getting transcripts. All communication will have to happen with the revenue officer. You can get their number and fax number from your client's notice, notifying them of who is handling their account. If this is not available you can call collections and get this information.
If you are a credentialed preparer and have a CAF number I don't recommend calling if you only need transcripts. Unless you are also doing a compliance check for a transcript investigation. If you only need the transcripts it's best to use e-services to get them through TDS. You can submit the signed 8821 or 2848 online via your Tax Pro Account.
If you have issues with e-services you can call their help desk at 1-888-841-4648 or 1-866-255-0654. Now let's get to the direct numbers that you want and when to use them. There is a PDF at the end that you can download to print and have handy on your desk.