Internal revenue service charlotte nc phone number

Let’s be clear, no one likes to call the IRS. Not even your CPA enjoys calling the IRS. With that said, there are very helpful people at the IRS. People who are happy to work with you to get the best possible outcome given your situation.

But, if you decide to call the IRS out of anger without preparing you won’t get very far. Here are some tips to prepare to handle a phone call to the IRS.

Be Prepared to Call the IRS

If you are calling about your own account.

• If you received a notice, have a copy of all correspondence in front of you.
• Have the prior-year tax return on hand. This will show you your filing status (single, head of household, married filing joint or separate). The IRS may ask a few questions to verify your identity.
• If the tax return you are calling about is not your most recent return, have a copy of that one on hand also.
• Make sure you have Social Security numbers (SSN) and birth dates for you, your spouse, and all dependents represented on the tax return in question. If you do not have an SSN, make sure you have your current Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If you are calling about someone else’s account.

The IRS agents will only speak to the taxpayer or their legally designated representative.

Before you call, make sure to gather the following information.

• Verbal or written authorization to discuss the account
• The ability to verify the taxpayer’s name, SSN/ITIN, tax period, form(s)
• PTIN or PIN if you are a third party designee
• A current, completed, and signed Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization.

OR

• A completed and signed Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative.

Deceased taxpayer concerns

Be prepared to fax:

• The deceased taxpayer’s death certificate

AND

• Either copies of Letters Testamentary approved by the court, or IRS Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship(for estate executors).
• If you are working with a particular IRS agent, fax these documents over 3-4 days before you call to resolve the issue. This way, the IRS will already have those documents on file when you call.

Make the Call

The IRS telephone number is 1-800-829-1040. Agents are available from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The best time to call is early in the morning. The worst times to call are Mondays and Tuesdays, especially around midday.

Be nice. Resist the urge to yell. Tax agents can’t bend the rules, but they are more likely to go the extra mile if you’re calm and polite.

• The first question the automated system will ask you is to choose your language.
• Once you’ve set your language, choose option 2 for “Personal Income Tax.”
• Next, press 1 for “form, tax history, or payment”.
• Next, press 3 “for all other questions.”
• Next, press 2 “for all other questions.”
• Do NOT enter anything when prompted enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information.
• After it asks twice, you will be prompted with another menu.
• Finally, press 2 for  ”personal or individual tax questions”. You should be transferred to an agent.

If you cannot reach an IRS agent.

If you can’t reach a real person over the phone, you can contact your Local Taxpayer Assistance Center. 

If you live in around Southern Pines, your local offices are Fayetteville and Raleigh. More North Carolina locations are found here.

Fayetteville IRS Office

225 Green St. Fayetteville, NC 28301

Monday-Friday – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Office Information: 910-223-3580

Make Appointment : 844-545-5640

Raleigh IRS Office

7751 Brier Creek Pkwy, Raleigh, NC 27617

Monday-Friday – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Office Information: 919-850-1100

Make Appointment: 844-545-5640

Questions about a notice that includes penalties and interest? Read our blog, IRS Penalties and Interest.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!