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. Below, we've compiled a list of other IRS phone numbers to try so you can reach the people you need.

If you need assistance with basic services, such as tracking your refund or looking up your amended tax return status, the IRS website also offers many self-service tools that can help.

How to contact IRS customer service

IRS customer service hours

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

Call volume may be higher on Mondays and Tuesdays, around Presidents Day (Feb. 19, 2024) and in the weeks leading up to the tax deadline (April 15, 2024).^[0]

IRS phone numbers

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.

Other ways to contact a real person at the IRS

Visit your local IRS office

The IRS operates local Taxpayer Assistance Centers (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. During tax season, however, TAC offices will usually accept walk-ins once a month on select Saturdays.^[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]

When not to call the IRS

The IRS encourages people who have simple questions to start on its website, IRS.gov. 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]

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 very rare circumstances (such as those involving subpoenas and summonses), the agency may stop by for an announced visit. But if the agency needs to get in contact with you about any of the below, they will reach out by mail to schedule an appointment first.

• A taxpayer has an overdue tax bill.

• To secure a delinquent tax return.

• To secure a delinquent employment tax payment.

Avoid tax scams. The IRS does not: