{"id":9360,"date":"2025-02-01T18:44:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-01T18:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=9360"},"modified":"2025-02-01T18:44:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-01T18:44:11","slug":"this-is-a-bad-time-to-call-the-irs-use-its-online-tools-instead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=9360","title":{"rendered":"This Is a Bad Time to Call the IRS. Use Its Online Tools Instead"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"ScoreCard<\/p>\n

We\u2019re getting into the thick of tax season, but this is a lousy time to call the IRS. You\u2019ll be on hold forever.<\/p>\n

The two weeks after Presidents Day weekend are definitely not<\/i> when you want to call the IRS for help. It\u2019s so bad that the IRS put out a news alert about this last year. They really want you to go online instead of calling.<\/p>\n

\u201cPresidents Day weekend, when many people prepare their taxes, historically marks a peak period for IRS phone lines,\u201d the IRS said<\/a> in 2023. \u201cDuring the two-week February period following Presidents Day, the IRS recommends turning first to the self-help tools available online on IRS.gov to avoid delays.\u201d<\/p>\n

And what are those tools? We\u2019ll tell you all about them.<\/p>\n

Use the IRS\u2019 Online Tools Instead of Calling<\/h2>\n

Calling the IRS can often be an exercise in frustration anyway.<\/p>\n

Though the Taxpayer Advocate Service said the telephone service saw some improvement in 2023 \u2014 it answered 35% of calls compared to 13% in 2022 \u2014 you should still see if you can get your answers online before calling.<\/p>\n

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50 Effortless Methods to Boost Your Income This Week<\/h3>\n

If you needed extra money, like, yesterday, you\u2019ve come to the right spot.<\/p>\n

Our team has compiled a list of creative ways<\/a> you can fatten your bank account this week.<\/p>\n

This is a long list, so don\u2019t get overwhelmed. Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you can easily return later. We\u2019ll keep it updated as offers changes or expire.<\/p>\n

Check it out!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Here is the IRS\u2019 main page<\/a> for all these online tools. And here are some of the main ones:<\/p>\n

Interactive Tax Assistant<\/a>:<\/strong> This useful tool can walk you through figuring out what income is taxable, what your filing status is and whom you can claim as a dependent.<\/p>\n

Get Refund Status<\/a>:<\/strong> When will your refund money arrive? This tool will track the status of your tax refund.<\/p>\n

Taxpayer Assistance Locator<\/a><\/strong>: This can help you find your nearest Taxpayer Assistance Center if you want to make an appointment to speak with an IRS representative in person.<\/p>\n

IRS Free File portal<\/a>:<\/strong> You can file federal taxes for free if you\u2019re eligible. This service is available to filers who earned $79,000 or less in 2023, and the page also links to free fillable tax forms for earners at all levels.<\/p>\n

If You Have to Call<\/h2>\n

The deadline for filing your 2023 federal tax returns is Monday, April 15. If you really want to talk to someone in the IRS on the phone before then, here are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n

The IRS\u2019 toll-free number is 800-829-1040 if you\u2019re trying to reach them about an issue with your taxes.<\/p>\n

Be prepared to wait on hold for a while \u2014 potentially for a long time.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s some information from the IRS<\/a> about what kinds of things you can call the toll-free number to ask about.<\/p>\n

The IRS <\/a>also says wait times are higher on Mondays and Tuesdays, during Presidents Day weekend and near the April tax filing deadline.<\/p>\n

Mike Brassfield ([email\u00a0protected]) is a senior writer at The SS.<\/i><\/p>\n

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5 Companies That Send People Money When They\u2019re Asked Nicely<\/h3>\n

When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look? Probably not as good as you\u2019d like. It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.<\/p>\n

But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?<\/p>\n

Ask one of these companies to help\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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