IRS tax practioner hotline

[ILLMAS]

Can't get through for the last couple of days for individual returns

[Margaret CPA in OH]

I remember reading recently that this was one affected by service cuts and switched to automated phone trees - like shutting down e-services, another short sighted move, in my opinion. 

[Jack from Ohio]

I don't even bother trying anymore.

[jasdlm]

I couldn't get through a couple weeks ago, so I called the standard 800 number, waited 2 hours, and got through.  Warning:  if you call the standard number, they are only supposed to talk with you about 1 client . . . if you have an issue with a second client, you are supposed to hang up and call and get in the queue again.  The agent took pity on my after I explained that I could not get through on the practitioner priority line and let me ask about 2 clients, but he told me not to do it again.  If you have questions about more than one client, you are supposed to call the priority hotline (but you can't get through; endless circle).

[Max W]

If you are going to call the PPL, avoid all day Mondays and Fridays until 5PM.

On other days call early in the morning right after 8AM or late in the day, after 5PM.

 

If you can wait 5 days, file an 8821 or 2848 and get the information on line.

By doing it on-line, you are not limited to ten transcripts or one client.