The IRS Wage & Income Transcript

Individuals and businesses may call an IRS customer service number for several reasons. Federal income taxes can be confusing, and not knowing how to complete forms can mean losing out on tax breaks or not paying enough taxes. People may have questions about audits or filing extensions. New business owners may need estimated tax guidance. I called 800-908-9946 to determine if there is a minimum amount a self-employed person can earn per quarter that requires them to pay estimated taxes.

When I called the number, an automated voice response system welcomed me to the IRS. It explained that this was a tax transcript order line and offered me the option of hearing the instructions in Spanish. While obtaining a tax transcript was not my reason for calling, being able to get this information interested me, so I decided to follow through with the instructions.

The system required me to enter my Social Security number and the number in my street address to get help. It told me I could order up to ten transcripts showing payments or adjustments and other actions on my account. I could press 1 to begin the process. I could also get my tax return transcript by pressing 2 To request a transcript of my account and get a transcript of the tax return for the same tax year, I could press 3. Pressing 9 would repeat the menu.

While I did not call this customer service number to learn about tax transcripts, it was good to know that I can request my transcripts if necessary because, for self-employed individuals, it can be a source of income verification. Sometimes, mortgage lenders and other financial institutions require such information for loan approval.

There was no opportunity to speak to a human during this call; neither was an opportunity for a callback offered. Once the automated system exhausted the menu, I could press 9 to hear it again. There was no need to listen to the instructions again, so I ended the call. 

When I call an 800 number to reach an organization like the IRS, I don't like the disappointment of not getting what I need. I hope the automated system or a representative can direct me to what I'm seeking, even if I call the wrong number. One of my pet peeves with automated systems is that, unlike humans, they cannot solve problems or ask questions that can quickly direct a caller to what they need. At a minimum, I expect the system to provide a general phone number I can call to get an answer to my question, which did not happen in this case.