How Do I Contact the IRS to Ask a Question Regarding My IRA?
Live operators add warmth to the IRS phone system.
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The Internal Revenue Service, like many government agencies, has a reputation for impenetrability -- especially when it comes to contacting a customer service rep. But recent changes to the IRS telephone customer support system have simplified the process of getting an answer to your questions, including those about an individual retirement account. With a little patience, you can get the IRA answers you need straight from the agency that makes the rules.
Phone 1-800-829-1040, the IRS tax help line for individuals. Make your language selection by pressing the appropriate key on your telephone keypad.
Step 2Make the numeric selection for inquiring about individual tax matters.
Step 3Tell the individual tax matters operator that you want to ask an IRA-related question. She will connect you with the department that handles IRAs and other retirement accounts.
Step 4Ask the retirement account representative your IRA-related question. If he does not know the answer offhand, he will put you on hold while he finds the information you need.
References
Tips
- Your IRS local assistance center offers in-person advice by appointment. Contact the center nearest you to inquire about an appointment with an IRA-knowledgeable representative. Depending on the time of year, the in-person advisers may be booked for weeks or even months in advance.
- You can also write to your local tax assistance center with your questions and wait for a response by mail. Response time may be 30 days or longer. Consult the IRS website for the mailing address in your area.
Warnings
- Do not email the IRS with an IRA-related question.
Writer Bio
D. Laverne O'Neal, an Ivy League graduate, published her first article in 1997. A former theater, dance and music critic for such publications as the "Oakland Tribune" and Gannett Newspapers, she started her Web-writing career during the dot-com heyday. O'Neal also translates and edits French and Spanish. Her strongest interests are the performing arts, design, food, health, personal finance and personal growth.