To avoid long IRS phone wait times, call early in the morning (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. local time) or mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday). Peak, high-volume times to avoid include Mondays, Tuesdays, and during the February filing season. Utilize online resources like “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov for faster assistance.
Wait times can average 3 minutes. Some phone lines may have longer wait times. Wait times are longer on Mondays and Tuesdays, during Presidents Day weekend and around the April tax filing deadline.
Best Times to Call and Menu-Navigation Shortcuts
Timing makes a huge difference when you contact the IRS by phone. The shortest queues tend to occur early weekday mornings—between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.—and midweek (Tuesday through Thursday). Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and dates near filing deadlines when hold times spike.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).
For many taxpayers the most frustrating part about doing their taxes is getting ahold of a real person at the IRS. The IRS is understaffed and unprepared to take on the daily volume of phone calls they receive.
For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long. This option works best for less complex questions. For questions about a business tax return, call 1-800-829-4933, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time.
How to reach an actual person at the IRS: Use the 1-2-3 hack. The IRS telephone number is 1-800-829-1040, and is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. To speak with someone at the IRS, you have to call, navigate through a menu, and eventually get routed to find an agent if one is available.
Try calling early in the morning. Lines open at 7 a.m. local time. Earlier calls tend to have shorter wait times. Use the IRS's official online tools like “Where's My Refund?” and “Get Transcript” before calling.
The IRS callback system is a way for taxpayers to get help with their tax returns without having to wait on hold. Simply call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and follow the prompts to reach the callback option. Leave a message with your contact number and the best time to reach you.
The IRS uses a combination of automated and human processes to select which tax returns to audit. Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit.
Individual taxpayers can call the IRS phone line at 1-800-829-1040 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time Monday through Friday for telephone assistance.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is currently experiencing a high volume of assistance requests. As a result, you may experience lengthy wait times while trying to connect with an advocate or while waiting for a return call. See if you qualify for our assistance. If you qualify, you can download and submit a Form 911.
You can call 1-800-829-1040 to get answers to your federal tax questions 24 hours a day. Tax forms and instructions for current and prior years are available by calling 1-800-829-3676.
The IRS also established a policy against answering substantive tax questions on the phone. Filers can call taxpayer services to ask process questions, meaning questions about how to file or the status of their filings, but they cannot get help with questions about the taxes themselves.
Your refund amount may include interest. Keep in mind that any interest you receive on tax refunds is considered taxable income during the year you receive it. Call us at 1-800-829-0922 to review your account with a representative. Be sure to have your account information available when you call.
A courtesy disconnect occurs when the IRS essentially hangs up on a taxpayer because its switchboard is overloaded and cannot handle the call.
The IRS will never initiate contact demanding immediate payment via gift cards, prepaid debit, or wire transfers; threaten immediate arrest or deportation; or contact you first by email, text, or social media; these tactics, especially involving urgent demands for specific payment types or threats, are key signs of a tax scam, as the IRS always mails a bill first and allows time to appeal.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
IRS Customer Service, Online Live Chat
The IRS provides both chatbots and live agents for quick online assistance with basic questions. Automated responses can help answer common questions before transferring you to a real person.