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Guide to IRS Customer Service and Phone Numbers

Lesser-known IRS customer service phone numbers could help you skip the line or talk to a person faster. Plus, learn where you can get in-person help if you need it.

Tina Orem
Sabrina Parys
Lei Han
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The main IRS phone number is 800-829-1040, but that’s not the only IRS number you can call for help or to talk 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.

IRS customer service hours

You can 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 three minutes during filing season (January through April) and 15 minutes during the off-season (May through December).
Call volume may be higher on Mondays and Tuesdays, and in the weeks leading up to the tax deadline. During the off-season, you can expect shorter wait times on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
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.

IRS phone numbers for tax refund assistance

While you can call the IRS' main line for any tax questions, these refund-specific phone numbers may be more useful.
  • To check the status of a tax refund: 800-829-1954. This is an automated service that is available 24/7.
  • To check the status of a tax refund being held: 866-897-3315. Hours of operation are daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT.
  • To see which debts will offset your tax refund: 800-304-3107 or 800-877-8339 (TTY/TDD). Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT.
» Learn more about tracking your tax refund

Other 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 help faster. We've also included links to our articles on a number of topics, saving you a call.
General tax assistance
Tax trouble
  • Identity and refund theft victims; get a new IP PIN: 800-908-4490
  • Report phishing and other scams; see if an IRS agent's name/badge number are legit: 800-366-4484
  • Whistleblower hotline: 800-829-0433
Tax returns
Tax forms and documents
Payments and balances
Accessibility
Self-employed taxpayers
International taxpayers
For tax pros and other people
Tax preparers and tax pros with account or tax law questions:
800-829-8374
Tax preparers and tax pros with e-filing questions:
866-255-0654
Tax practitioner priority service:
866-860-4259
Overseas tax professionals:
512-416-7750; 267-941-1000
Corporate taxpayers, partnerships and nonprofits:
866-255-0654
Nonprofits with tax law or filing questions:
877-829-5500
Government and tax-exempt entities:
877-829-5500
International businesses that want an Employer Identification Number (EIN):
267-941-1099
Domestic employers, payers and transmitters who need e-filing tech support:
866-455-7438
International employers, payers and transmitters who need e-filing tech support:
304-263-8700

Other ways to contact a real person at the IRS

For tax issues that you may not be able to get help with online or by phone, you can visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) near you. These local IRS offices are typically open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You can use the IRS' TAC locator tool to see if an office near you is participating. Many offices will also be open on select Saturdays through June 27 (see the related IRS page for more details).
You'll generally need to schedule an appointment beforehand, but walk-in assistance may be available in some areas.
You can also visit your local Taxpayer Advocate Service, which is an independent organization within the IRS that can help people with tax problems they can't resolve on their own.

Before you call the IRS

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. Also be aware that there are some topics that an assistor may not be able to help with. The IRS has more information and resources on its complex tax topics page.

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."
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. You can also make changes to payment plans, or schedule or cancel payments through your online account.

State tax department phone numbers

Select your state to see how to contact your state tax department.

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:
  • Call you to demand payment.
  • Initiate contact with you via email, text, social media or 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.
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