IRS Enhances Customer Service and Audits for Taxpayers: Insights for Tax Season
With expectations exceeding 160 million individual and business tax returns this season, the IRS faces a daunting task. While there’s been progress the IRS has managed to trim down the average processing time the perennial issue of backlog persists. Amended returns and other correspondence remain in queue, as in previous years.
The Tax Moves Blog
As the April 15th tax deadline approaches, individuals and businesses are gearing up to file their taxes. With tax season in full swing, it’s time to discuss the challenges we face when filing our returns and how we can make the whole process smoother. Let’s dive into what the IRS is doing to help us and how we can work together to overcome the hurdles.
IRS Customer Service Challenges
Have you ever waited for hours on the IRS hotline only to get a late response or no response at all? Unfortunately, this has been a common issue in recent years. While the IRS has been working to improve, there’s still much work to be done to ensure that we all receive the assistance we need.
Implementing a more efficient and accessible customer service system, with enhanced online options and faster support for inquiries.
Providing clearer and easier-to-understand resources on the IRS website, including blog tutorials and step-by-step form guides.
Delays in Tax Return Processing
Have you ever submitted your return and then waited for weeks without knowing if it was received or processed? You’re not alone. While the IRS has been making improvements, they still face challenges in processing tax returns on time and responding to our inquiries promptly.
Hiring more staff and utilizing advanced technology to streamline return processing and reduce wait times.
Providing real-time updates on the status of returns through the IRS’s online platform by your IRS Account.
Improvements in High-Income Tax Audits
Are you worried about being audited? While less common for most of us, high-income tax audits have had their own challenges. It’s important for the IRS to address these issues to ensure that we are all treated fairly and equitably.
Providing additional training to audit staff to effectively handle high-income returns and ensure a fair review.
Utilizing advanced analytics tools to identify potential non-compliance more efficiently and accurately.
IRS Solutions for Accurate Tax Filing
Sole proprietors, such as freelancers, social media influencers, and self-employed business workers, often underreport their income.
Even when they strive to report their income accurately, these workers may face challenges, partly because the IRS does not allow taxes to be withheld from their paycheck. Instead, they may need to pay their taxes quarterly, which can be confusing and time-consuming.
Without tax withholding, some sole proprietors must pay quarterly estimated taxes. This can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the process. To alleviate these difficulties, the IRS could provide clearer guidance and resources tailored to the unique needs of sole proprietors.
IRS phone number – Call wait times
Filing season
(January – April)
Wait times can average 4 minutes. Some phone lines may have longer wait times. Wait times are longer on Mondays and Tuesdays, during Presidents Day weekend and around the April tax filing deadline.
Post-filing season
(May – December)
Wait times can average 11 minutes. Some phone lines may have longer wait times. Wait times are shorter Wednesday through Friday.
The help lines are open Monday through Friday. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii should follow Pacific time. Phone lines in Puerto Rico are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
1. Learn everything about J1 visa taxes — our complete 2026 step-by-step guide for nonresident workers with W-2 income.
2. Estimate your refund instantly with our J1 visa tax calculator — no signup required.
3. Compare Form 1040 vs 1040NR for J1 visa holders and find out which one applies to you.
4. Understand the importance of your DS-2019 form — it defines your program, tax status, and eligibility.
Forms & Tax Documents
5. Did you receive a 1099 instead of a W-2? Here’s what to do — Form 1099 for J1 visa workers explained.
6. Learn how to apply for your SSN or ITIN as a J1 visa holder before filing your taxes.
7. Understand your IRS transcripts for J1 visa taxes — what they show and how to request them.
8. Received a Form 1042-S? Discover what it means and how to include it in your tax return.
9. Find your Form W-2 for J1 visa — and learn what each box means when you file.
10. File correctly using the official Form 1040NR for J1 visa holders — step-by-step.
11. Don’t forget your Form 8843 — it’s mandatory even if you had no income.
12. Check this J1 visa tax return example using Form 1040NR to understand how everything fits together.
Special Cases & IRS Resources
13. Missed the April deadline? Learn how to file J1 visa taxes after April and still get your refund.
14. Review official IRS guidance on Taxation of J-1 visa holders and resident status.
IRS Phone Numbers
Individuals
800-829-1040
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Businesses
800-829-4933
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Non-profit taxes
877-829-5500
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time
Estate and gift taxes (Form 706/709)
866-699-4083
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time
Excise taxes
866-699-4096
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time
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