IRS Phone Number: Customer Service, Human Help Options

The main IRS phone number is 800-829-1040, but that’s not the only IRS number you can call for help or to speak to a live person. Here's a list of other IRS phone numbers to try so you can reach the people you need.

If you're planning to get on the phone, though, keep in mind that the IRS has been struggling to field calls. You might be waiting a while. You might do better to use the IRS website for some services, such as tracking your refund or looking up your amended tax return status.

How to contact IRS customer service

You're welcome to call the main IRS number Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The agency's average telephone service waiting time is 13 minutes during filing season (January through April) and 19 minutes off-season (May through December).^[0]

If you have a question about any of the topics below, one of these lesser-known IRS phone numbers might get you to help faster. We've also included links to our articles on a number of topics, which might save you a call.

When not to call the IRS

For the 2022 tax filing season, the IRS is encouraging people who have simple questions to start on its website, IRS.gov. Because of the high volume of calls inundating the IRS, the agency says its online resources are "the quickest and easiest option for help."

Below are links to some of the digital services offered by the IRS.

• Tax tools for individual taxpayers.

• Explore frequently asked tax law questions.

• Interactive Tax Assistant.

There are also several tools that can help you track down your return:

• How to check the status of your refund.

• How to check the status of your amended tax return.

And if you're looking for certain information or records, such as your payment history or a tax transcript, setting up an online account with the agency can help you quickly gain access to these documents. ^[0]

Other ways to contact a real person at the IRS

You can try these other options for getting help.

Visit your local IRS office

The IRS operates local Taxpayer Assistance Centers, or TACs, in every state. To see their local addresses and phone numbers, click on your state on the list of Taxpayer Assistance locations. Generally, you can’t just show up at a local IRS office any time. You have to make an appointment. That IRS number is 844-545-5640. But these offices will accept walk-ins one Saturday a month. The remaining available days are April 8 and May 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. ^[0]

Try calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that can help people with tax problems they can't resolve on their own. Every state has at least one local Taxpayer Advocate Service center that is independent of the local IRS office, and it reports to the national Taxpayer Advocate Service. You can see the local addresses and phone numbers for every local Taxpayer Advocate Service office here.

Before you call

Once you're on the line with an IRS telephone assistor, you'll need to verify your identity to proceed. Make sure to have the following information handy before you call:

• Social Security number or ITIN.

• Date of birth.

• Filing status.

• Prior-year return and the tax return you're inquiring about.

• Any IRS correspondence you've received (via email or your online account).

If you're calling on behalf of someone else, or someone who is deceased, you'll need to have a few extra things gathered in addition to the above, including verbal/written authorization, a valid Form 8821 or Form 2848, and relevant paperwork such as a death certificate or court letter.^[0]

State tax department phone numbers

If it's a state tax issue you need help with, tap to see a list of phone numbers for state tax departments.

Watch out for IRS phone scams

You can call every IRS phone number you want, but the IRS will rarely call you. It initiates most contacts, including demands for payment, through regular mail from the U.S. Postal Service. In special circumstances, the agency will call or come to a home or business when:

• A taxpayer has an overdue tax bill.

• To secure a delinquent tax return.

• To secure a delinquent employment tax payment.

• To tour a business as part of an IRS audit or during criminal investigations.

Avoid tax scams. The IRS does not:

• Call you to demand payment.

• Initiate contact with you via email, text, social media, or through third-party payment apps.

• Ask you to pay your tax bill with prepaid cards, gift cards or wire transfers.

• Threaten to call the police, immigration officers or other people to arrest you.

• Revoke your driver’s license, business license or immigration status.