Get a Real Person on the Phone for Stimulus Check Questions

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If you’re one of the many Americans still waiting for a stimulus check, the constant media updates about a possible second payment can be particularly frustrating. While it’s possible to track the status of your stimulus payment through the IRS online portal, many complain it’s still missing information. And the agency’s automated phone system may be even worse.

How to get a real person on the phone at the IRS

Luckily, one accountant found a solution. Amy Northard, a certified public accountant and blogger, shared a step-by-step guide to reach a human at the IRS. You can use these steps to ask about your missing stimulus check—or another tax issue in the future.

Before you start dialing, you should have Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, filing status, and last year’s tax returns handy. The main IRS phone number is (800) 829-1040—and you may reach an agent Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

1. Choose your language.
2. Select option 2 for “personal income tax.”
3. Select option 1 for “form, tax history, or payment.”
4. Select option 3 for “all other questions.”
5. Select option 2 for “all other questions” again.
6. When the system asks for your SSN or EIN to access your account—don’t select anything.
7. The system will ask the same question twice and redirect you to another menu.
8. Select option 2 for “personal or individual tax questions.”
9. Select option 3 for “all other inquiries.”
10. The system will put you on hold to speak with an agent.

What to expect

Here is my experience: My partner is still missing a stimulus payment, so I followed up with these exact steps yesterday afternoon around 3:15 PM. I spent about three and a half minutes going through the automated phone system, and was placed on hold with an estimated wait time of 15 to 30 minutes.

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I finally reached an agent after 40 minutes and was successfully able to ask about my partner’s missing payment. According to a recent report, you may wait less time by calling early in the morning, though.

A word of caution: If you’re calling for someone else, the IRS will need their verbal consent to share details about their stimulus payment—so be ready to add them to the call. You may also need to provide their name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, and details from last year’s tax return.

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