To contact the IRS by phone, you must first find the correct number for your specific tax issue, then call during the right hours with your documents ready. This directory and guide provides the verified phone numbers and calling help you need to reach the right person quickly and avoid long hold times.
IRS phone numbers: a complete directory
Use this scannable list to find the verified number for your exact situation. For looking up phone numbers, always start here rather than a search engine, because scammers create fake listings.
- Individual tax questions (Form 1040, account questions, payments): 800-829-1040
- Business tax questions (employer ID numbers, business returns): 800-829-4933
- Refund status (automated hotline): 800-829-1954
- Non-profit organizations: 877-829-5500 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time)
- Estate and gift taxes (Forms 706 and 709): 866-699-4083
- Excise taxes: 866-699-4096
- TTY/TDD for hearing impaired: 800-829-4059
- International callers (not toll-free): 267-941-1000 (6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time)
- Spanish language assistance: 800-829-1040
- Other languages: 833-553-9895 (an IRS assistor will provide an interpreter)
For getting and understanding phone numbers, the official IRS.gov website is your only reliable source. Never trust a number from an email, text, or unsolicited call.
IRS phone hours and the best time to call
IRS phone lines for individuals and businesses are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. 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.
Wait times are generally shorter Wednesday through Friday. To minimize wait times, call Wednesday through Friday. Wait times are longer on Mondays and Tuesdays, during Presidents Day weekend, and around the April tax filing deadline. During high call volume, you may be offered a return call option if wait times exceed 15 minutes.
What to have ready before you contact the IRS by phone
Gather these items before you dial. Having them ready speeds up verification and prevents a second call.
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Date of birth
- Filing status
- Prior-year tax return
- The tax return you are calling about
- Any IRS correspondence or notices you have received
Step-by-step: how to have a successful IRS call
- Dial the correct number from the directory above. Double-check it against IRS.gov. Scammers often use numbers that look similar.
- Call Wednesday through Friday, mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Avoid Mondays, Tuesdays, and the weeks around tax deadlines.
- When the automated system prompts you, enter your information. Have your SSN and the exact refund amount or notice number ready. This routes you to the right department faster.
- If offered a callback option, take it. The IRS offers this when wait times exceed 15 minutes. You keep your place in line without listening to hold music.
- When you reach a representative, state your reason clearly. Provide the documents you gathered. Be polite and honest, incorrect information creates delays.
- Take notes during the call. Write down the date, the representative’s name, any reference or case numbers, and the steps you need to follow.
- Follow up if needed. If the representative says you will receive something or need to take an action, note the deadline and do it promptly.
How to avoid IRS phone scams
The IRS does not send unsolicited emails requesting personal information. It also does not call demanding immediate payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. If someone calls claiming to be the IRS and threatens arrest or deportation, hang up. Always verify any phone number by visiting the official IRS.gov website. Use the directory above, it contains only verified numbers.
Alternatives to contacting the IRS by phone
If phone wait times are too long or your issue is straightforward, try these options:
- IRS website tools, Use “Where’s My Refund?” for refund status, the Interactive Tax Assistant for common questions, and online payment options.
- Mail, Send correspondence with copies of all relevant documents. Response times are longer, so use this only for non-urgent matters.
- In-person visit, Schedule an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Check IRS.gov for locations and hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to call the IRS?
Mid-morning (around 10 a.m.) and mid-afternoon (around 2 p.m.) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays tend to have shorter wait times than early morning or late afternoon.
Can I speak to a live person at the IRS without going through the automated system?
No. All calls go through an automated system first. You must enter your identifying information to be routed to the correct representative. The callback option is the best way to avoid waiting on hold.
What should I do if I cannot get through to the IRS by phone?
Use the IRS website’s online tools first. For refund status, “Where’s My Refund?” is updated overnight and often faster than calling. For account questions, you can also create an online account at IRS.gov to view transcripts and payment history.
How do I reach the IRS for help with a tax notice I received?
The notice itself usually contains a specific phone number for that issue. Use that number first, as it connects you to the team handling that type of notice. If you lose the notice, call the main individual line at 800-829-1040.
Is it possible to make a payment to the IRS over the phone?
Yes. You can use the automated system at 800-829-1040 to make a payment by debit card, credit card, or electronic funds transfer. Have your bank account or card information ready.
