If you’ve spent time in phone purgatory trying to reach the IRS, you’re far from alone. During the 2022 filing season, the IRS received ~73 million calls — and only one in ten connected to a live representative. The challenge continues.²
What You Can Do Instead of Calling
When phone lines are jammed, using the IRS’s online resources can save you time and frustration. Setting up an IRS online account opens up self-service tools for tax records, payments, and notices. Here’s what’s possible:
- View your tax balance and breakdown by year
- Make or schedule payments directly from your bank
- Enroll in or view existing payment plans
- Go paperless and receive email updates
- Access tax records and return transcripts
How to Get Started with an IRS Online Account
Here’s a quick walkthrough:
- Visit IRS.gov and choose “View Your Account”
- Click “Log in to your Online Account” → “Create Account”
- Go through the “Secure Access” authentication process
- Fill out profile details and verify your identity
Even though the IRS added 4,000 new customer service reps, wait times remain high. The agency still recommends first checking IRS.gov for answers. If your issue is complex, contact your tax professional for guidance.
Need help enrolling in an IRS online account or determining if it meets your needs? Contact Grants Pass Tax Service — we’ll guide you step by step.
