18 tricks and shortcuts to better customer service

1. BE THE EARLY BIRD. Like other federal agencies, the IRS is overwhelmed with phone calls. But they open early. The best time to reach out is on weekdays, at 7 a.m. ET. After that,

you'll need to just keep calling and hope to get through, says Beth Logan, an agent with Kozlog Tax Advisers. 2. PREPARE BEFORE YOU CALL. If you need to send the IRS documentation (or

power of attorney if you're calling on behalf of a dependent), download a fax app before you call that lets you send faxes to the IRS straight from your computer or smartphone.

Otherwise, you'll have to send copies of documentation via certified mail and deal with additional delays. Logan says to look for a fax app that says it's “HIPAA compliant,” which

indicates that it meets government security standards. 3. BE YOUR OWN AGGRESSIVE ADVOCATE. If you don't get the results you want, Logan suggests asking for the section of the IRS tax

code that supports the IRS agent's position. If you still feel that you aren't getting through, ask for a manager. That can often result in getting a call back. SOCIAL SECURITY 1. 

START ONLINE. For straightforward tasks, like signing up for Social Security for yourself or claiming spousal benefits after your spouse has already claimed, your best bet is to simply go

through the application on the agency's website, says Philip Moeller, author of _Get What's Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security_. 2. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. If you

are dealing with a more complicated application, or if you run into trouble online, Moeller recommends making an appointment at a field office. To increase your chances of getting an

appointment that you want, Moeller says to call at least two months in advance of your preferred appointment time. 3. CHECK OUT OFFICES AWAY FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. Moeller suggests calling

more-remote field offices for details. Going to uncongested areas and offices with ample parking can make the process less stressful. Use the online Social Security Field Office Locator to

find the phone number and hours for other branch offices near you. BANKS AND LENDERS 1. GO IN PERSON. If you're dealing with a bank that still has brick-and-mortar locations, visiting

one might yield you the best possible customer service, says Michael B. Cohen, vice president of global operations at MyChargeBack, a firm that helps consumers deal with complex payment

disputes. 2. ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CONTACT. Even if the teller or customer service representative at your bank can't immediately solve your problem, he or she may be able

to help you get in touch with the person who can. “If you can find someone locally who can hold your hand and guide you and take responsibility for the next steps, that's a big

game-changer,” Cohen says. 3. KEEP A RECORD. Whether you're working with a local rep or not, be sure to ask any representative for your case number and whether there's a direct

phone number on which you can call him or her back in the future, if necessary.