The IRS Steuerexperten

Calling the IRS was a frustrating situation for me, which is probably to be expected given that no one likes to deal with the IRS. Still, I am disappointed that I wasn't able to get an answer to my question. Even after calling multiple times, the system hung up on me, which leads me to think there is a glitch in their telephone system, or I will just have to go online and wade through the information. Of course, I was calling so I didn't have to do that. 

Admittedly, there are a thousand reasons why people might call the IRS. From overdue tax payments to questions about audits to checking the status of a refund, millions of people in the US use the IRS. When money is involved, people tend to call and check up on things. Therefore, it is not surprising, but it is still frustrating that I couldn't get to someone who could help me with my issue. 

All of that said, I certainly had a lot of runaround and absolutely no help from the IRS department via this phone number. When I first called, a virtual voice said, "Welcome to the Internal Revenue Service. You can also visit us at www.irs.gov. To continue in English press or say 1." I tried to say one, but it wouldn't recognize my verbal response. However, after I pressed the button, it did work. 

It then gave me a standard message about the economic stimulus payments, which is what I was actually calling about. It told me, "If you are calling with questions about economic stimulus patients, please visit www.irs.org for the latest information." It then gave me a second option to also call another number if I needed help with that, but then it gave me an option to get direct help, so that was reasonable to go ahead and follow. 

It gave me the following three options, "For questions about your stimulus payment, press 3. If you are calling about a notice or letter you received, press 1. If you are calling to check the status of your refund, press 2." 

I pressed three and then hold music started to play. Then it abruptly stopped, and a voice said, "Said your call cannot be completed at this time. Please try your call again later." Then it hung up on me. I tried to call again, and the same thing happened. It was the middle of the afternoon, too so there was no reason for it not to work.