IRS Warns of Heavy Phone Traffic on Presidents Day Weekend – How to Avoid Delays

Every year, millions of American citizens eagerly await Presidents Day weekend. But during this time, many people try to contact the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to resolve questions related to their 2024 tax returns. The IRS has warned that its phone lines may be heavily crowded during this long weekend.

If you want to file your taxes before February 17, i.e., Washington’s birthday, then don’t worry. There is an easy way to avoid long waits on the phone—use the tools available on the IRS’s official website. >

Heavy demand on IRS phone lines

According to IRS data, its phone lines are likely to receive excessive calls on Presidents Day weekend. In this situation, the best way to avoid waiting for hours is to visit the IRS website (IRS.gov) and use the online tools available there. >

An online tool called the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) can answer most of your tax-related questions instantly. Contacting the IRS over the phone is only advisable if you have a specific problem that cannot be resolved online. >

The IRS has created a useful section called “Let Us Help” to help taxpayers, which you can visit at this link: https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you

Free Filing Options

The IRS also offers taxpayers some great free filing options that you can take advantage of to file taxes easily. These options include: >

  • IRS Free File
  • Direct File
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)

The VITA and TCE programs can be very useful, especially for seniors.

Important advice from the IRS for the 2025 tax season

The IRS has an important tip for the 2025 tax season—use direct deposit and electronic filing instead of paper checks.

If you want to receive your tax refund quickly and without any delay, direct deposit is the best option.

What problems can arise with paper checks?

  • Payments made through paper checks are more prone to errors.
  • There is a risk of the check being lost or misplaced.
  • Payments made through paper checks take longer to be received.

That is why the IRS has advised taxpayers to create their individual online account and access all the necessary information from there.

Conclusion

If you want to resolve tax-related questions over Presidents Day weekend, use the online tools and free filing options available on the IRS website. Prefer direct deposit and electronic filing to avoid long waits on the phone. This will not only save you time but will also help you receive your tax refund quickly.

FAQs

Q. Why is the IRS phone traffic high on Presidents Day weekend?

A. Many taxpayers use this time to ask questions about their tax returns.

Q. How can I avoid long wait times on the IRS phone lines?

A. Use online tools like the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) on IRS.gov.

Q. What is the fastest way to get my tax refund?

A. Choose direct deposit and file electronically instead of using paper checks.

Q. Are there free options to file my taxes?

A. Yes, you can use IRS Free File, Direct File, or VITA/TCE services.

Q. Where can I find IRS help online?

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