So… how was your summer?
I know, we’re still in August now, and back-to-school sales are taking over every Southeastern Wisconsin store aisle. But before you fully close out Summer 2025, it’s worth looking back for just a moment.
Because a few of the things you did over these past couple of months might have tax consequences (some good, some in need of attention):
- Marriage: If you tied the knot, now’s the time to update the Social Security Administration with your name change (if applicable), and let the USPS, your employer, and the IRS know about any new address (Form 8822 is your official ticket for that).
- Summer day camp: Those receipts might be worth more than memories. Day camp costs could qualify toward the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
- Business travel: Business travel deductions come with rules, and keeping them straight matters whether you were gone for two days or two months.
- Part-time work or side gigs: Even if the paycheck was light, you might be due a refund. And if you were paid through a payment app, a 1099-K could be headed your way (though there are new rules for that, yet again).
- Home improvements: Energy-efficient upgrades (think: new HVAC, windows, or solar panels) can qualify for valuable credits (for now).
If you want to run a quick “summer tax situation review,” I can walk you through it. That way you don’t have to wade through all the IRS tax-ese. Just grab a time to chat here: 414-325-2040
Or maybe, you’re closing out the summer with a tax issue on your hands. Say, a missing refund, a notice from the IRS that doesn’t make sense, or a tax balance you’re sure you already paid.
If that’s where you are right now, you need to know: getting ahold of a live human on the phone at the IRS is harder than ever right now.
Here’s why… and the game plan I recommend for winning that waiting game.
Milwaukee Taxpayer’s Guide: How to Contact the IRS in 2025
“He that can have patience can have what he will.” —Benjamin Franklin
TL;DR
- IRS reports sound optimistic: 87 percent Level of Service and 3-minute hold times. But that doesn’t tell the full story.
- In reality, only 32 percent of calls actually reach a live agent across all departments.
- Online tools have improved — many tasks can be resolved faster digitally.
- If your issue is complex, sensitive, or time-sensitive, a tax pro can navigate the system more efficiently and with fewer delays.
So… you’ve got to contact the IRS. Maybe it’s a missing refund, a confusing paper notice, or a tax balance you swear you’ve already paid. Whatever the reason, you need answers – and fast.
Here’s the problem: The IRS in 2025 is leaner than ever. Since January, the agency has lost over 25 percent of its total workforce (from just over 102,000 to 75,700 employees).
Even more concerning: many of those leaving are senior specialists — the very people who handle complex cases, collections, and notices.
That matters to you, because while the IRS has invested in tech and tools, the real-world experience for Milwaukee taxpayers hasn’t caught up. Automation is great for simple requests. But if your situation falls outside the box (and many do), getting real help is harder than ever.
So… how can you get answers when you need them?
What’s Really Happening With IRS Phones
Here’s the big picture: Since January 2025, the IRS has lost 25.9 percent of its workforce, and the Taxpayer Services department (call centers and processing) is down 21.6 percent, causing longer call queues and slower paper return processing.
The IRS has added some technology upgrades (more on that below), but…
…when you have fewer agents, fewer auditors, and fewer call center reps
…and the tax code keeps getting more complex…
Getting in contact with the IRS is only going to get harder.
This year, the IRS is boasting about an 87 percent Level of Service (LOS) with a reported 3-minute average hold time on its main Accounts Management line.
But across all IRS phone lines combined, only about 32 percent of calls actually reach a live customer service rep. The rest either hit automation, disconnect, or get trapped in voicebots. Certain specialized lines are even worse:
- Taxpayer Protection Program (for identity verification): Only 29 percent LOS, with an average hold time of 17 minutes (and many callers never reach a rep at all).
- Installment Agreement/Balance Due line: 46 percent LOS, averaging 26 minutes on hold.
The IRS has rolled out a callback feature: if they project a long wait (over 15 minutes), you can hang up and wait for a return call. About 62 percent of taxpayers use this, and 82 percent actually get connected when the call comes.
So, if you need to call, call smart: hit the phones early (7 a.m. local time, Tuesday–Thursday). Avoid Mondays. And always be ready with your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, prior-year return, and any IRS notices you’ve received.
And if you can, let your tax pro call for you. We have practitioner-only lines that bypass some of the bottlenecks.
Go Online Before You Call
The good news is, the IRS has invested heavily in online services recently. Using an IRS Online Account, you can now:
- Download 1099s and W-2s
- Respond to 21 types of IRS notices digitally
- Track refunds and amended return status
So, before you call, check your online account first. Many issues that used to require a phone call, like viewing transcripts or responding to a notice, can now be handled digitally.
But even online, some things still hit a manual bottleneck. And when delays start compounding, that’s when most people call (and get stuck). A tax pro (hi, that’s me) helps you avoid this back-and-forth by knowing which paths actually work.
When You Need Human Help
Yes, the IRS still runs 362 Taxpayer Assistance Centers for in-person help, but:
- 239 are understaffed, and 21 are completely unstaffed.
- Almost all TACs require an appointment – walk-ins are rare.
- There are some “Taxpayer Experience Day” Saturday openings and limited pilots allowing remote TAC assistance, but access is tight.
If you need in-person help (e.g., identity verification or complex dispute resolution), call the TAC appointment line early. Expect scheduling delays. And make sure to bring a government-issued ID, SSN card, and all IRS documents related to your issue.
So, could you call the TAC line yourself, battle through scheduling delays, and take time off work to bring your ID, SSN card, and every scrap of IRS paperwork you have? Sure.
But let’s be honest: you don’t need to be the one wrestling with that. That’s literally what we do everyday.
We don’t just call the same numbers you do. We have direct practitioner-only hotlines. That means:
- Shorter wait times
- Access to more experienced IRS reps
- Ability to escalate tricky cases faster
More importantly, we know what to say (and not say), which documents get things moving, and how to track down progress when it feels like everything’s stalled.
As a recent example, one Milwaukee client of ours received a balance due notice despite already having paid. He tried calling, waited on hold twice, and got nowhere. I called the practitioner line, verified a misapplied payment, and stopped a levy notice within 48 hours.
Instead of spending hours on hold, you can get updates from me, your advocate who already knows your situation.
FAQ
“Can a tax professional really contact the IRS faster than I can?”
Yes, absolutely. Our practitioner-only phone lines mean shorter hold times, direct access to specialized IRS reps, and the ability to escalate issues more efficiently. It’s one of the biggest advantages of letting a tax pro handle your IRS contact.
“Should I try to handle a notice myself or let you step in?”
If you’re just checking on a refund or need a copy of a transcript, I’d recommend using your IRS Online Account first. But if it’s a more serious issue (like identity verification, amended return delays, or a confusing notice), you’ll likely end up in phone tree purgatory. At that point, it’s smarter to let me call in your place.
“Can I respond to IRS notices online?”
Yes. In 2025, the IRS will allow you to digitally respond to 21 types of notices through your online account. You can upload documents, track responses, and in some cases, avoid mailing anything altogether. That said, the back-end processing is still manual, so response times can still drag.
“Is it safe to wait on a stuck return?”
If you e-filed, wait at least 21 days before calling. If you mailed it, expect 6–9 months minimum before action. And if it’s amended, 12+ months isn’t unusual right now. If you’re past those timeframes, it’s smart to loop me in. I can check your account status and make sure nothing’s slipping through the cracks.
“I got an identity verification letter. Should I try to handle that myself?”
You can try, but beware: the Taxpayer Protection Program line only connects about 29 percent of callers, and hold times can stretch well past 30 minutes. If you miss something or respond incorrectly, it could delay your refund by months. That’s why I strongly recommend you let me step in and guide that process for you.
“What can I do right now if I’m stuck and can’t get answers?”
The first thing I’d do is set up or log into your IRS Online Account to check for updates. If that doesn’t resolve it, contact me directly. I’ll review your situation, determine the right IRS channel to use, and take the lead from there – whether it’s calling in, uploading docs, or pushing through a delayed return.
The bottom line
If you’re dealing with an IRS issue and unsure where to start (or tired of getting nowhere fast), let’s talk. We do this every day. We know how the IRS works, what to say, and who to call.
You don’t have to handle it alone. Just reach out:
414-325-2040
We’re not just a solution; we’re your easy button for navigating a complex system