How to Reach the IRS by Phone

The IRS main phone line is 1-800-829-1040, but it connects you to an automated system that routes you based on your reason for calling

The IRS does not have a single number that reaches a live person. When you call 1-800-829-1040, you hear a menu that asks why you are calling — whether you have a question about a tax return you filed, need to report a change, or are calling about a notice. The system then routes you to the appropriate department or gives you information directly.

The wait time to reach a live representative varies widely depending on the time of year and which department handles your issue. During tax season (January through April), wait times often exceed 30 minutes. Outside tax season, you may reach someone in 10 to 20 minutes. If you reach the automated system and your question is answered by the menu options, you do not need to wait for a person.

The IRS also publishes separate numbers for specific situations. These numbers are listed on the IRS website and in the instructions that come with tax forms. Using the correct number for your situation can reduce wait time.

Key Takeaways

The main IRS phone number is 1-800-829-1040, and it uses an automated menu system to route your call to the right department.
Wait times to speak with a representative are typically longer during tax season and shorter from May through December.
The IRS publishes separate phone numbers for specific issues, such as questions about a notice or a payment plan, and using the correct number saves time.
You can also reach the IRS through its website at irs.gov, where you can use the online chat tool or find answers to common questions without calling.
Having your Social Security number, tax return information, or the notice you received ready before you call will help the representative information you faster.

Phone numbers for specific situations

The IRS publishes different numbers depending on what you need. If you received a notice from the IRS, the notice itself usually lists a phone number to call. This number routes you directly to the department handling your case, which is faster than calling the main line.

If you need to set up a payment plan or discuss what you owe, call 1-800-829-7650. If you are calling about a refund, use 1-800-829-1954. For questions about a business tax return or an employer identification number (EIN), call 1-800-829-4933. These numbers are also listed in the tax form instructions and on the IRS website.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the IRS offers a TTY line at 1-800-829-4059. This line connects you to a relay service that allows you to communicate with an IRS representative.

What to have ready before you call

Before you call the IRS, gather the documents related to your question. If you are calling about a tax return you filed, have a copy of that return in front of you. If you are calling about a notice, have the notice itself available — it contains a reference number that the representative will ask for.

Have your Social Security number or employer identification number ready. The representative will verify your identity using this information before discussing your account. If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you will need a power of attorney form (Form 2848) on file with the IRS, or the person whose return you are calling about must be on the call with you.

Write down the specific question you want to ask before you call. This helps you stay focused during the call and makes better use of the representative's time, especially if the wait was long.

Using the IRS website instead of calling

The IRS website at irs.gov offers several ways to find information without waiting on the phone. You can use the online chat tool to ask questions about your account, a notice you received, or how to file. The chat tool is available during business hours and often has shorter wait times than the phone line.

The IRS website also has a searchable database of frequently asked questions, tax forms, and publications. Many common questions — such as how to report a change of address, what documents you need to file, or how to check the status of a refund — are answered in these resources without needing to call.

If you need to check the status of a refund, you can use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website. This tool shows you the status of your refund without requiring a phone call. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount.

Best times to call the IRS

The IRS is busiest from January through April, when most people file their tax returns. If you call during this period, expect longer wait times. The least busy times are May through December, when you are more likely to reach a representative quickly.

Within a single day, the IRS is typically less busy in the early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.). Calling on a weekday is usually faster than calling on Monday, when many people call after the weekend.

If your question is not urgent, consider waiting until after tax season to call. If you need to reach the IRS during tax season, the online chat tool or the website resources may be faster than the phone line.

What happens if you cannot reach the IRS

If you have been trying to reach the IRS and cannot get through, you have other options. Many tax professionals — including enrolled agents, certified public accountants (CPAs), and tax attorneys — can contact the IRS on your behalf. This is especially useful if you have a complex issue or if you are being audited.

If you received a notice from the IRS and disagree with it, you can respond in writing. The notice includes instructions for how to file a response and a important date for doing so. Responding in writing creates a record of your position and gives you time to gather supporting documents.

If you owe taxes and cannot pay, you can request a payment plan or an offer in compromise (a settlement for less than you owe) by mail. The IRS website has forms and instructions for both options. You do not have to reach a representative to start this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reach a live person at the IRS without waiting on hold?

The IRS does not offer a way to skip the wait entirely, but you can reduce it by calling outside tax season (May through December) or by using the online chat tool on the IRS website. If you call the main line and your question is answered by the automated menu, you will not need to wait for a representative.

What if I call the IRS and get disconnected?

Call back using the same number. The IRS system does not have a callback feature, so you will need to wait in the queue again. To avoid this, make sure your phone connection is stable before calling, and have all your documents ready so you can explain your situation quickly once you reach a representative.

Do I need to call the IRS if I received a notice?

Not always. Many notices include instructions for responding by mail or online. Read the notice carefully to see what action is required and by what date. If the notice asks you to call, the phone number is printed on the notice itself.

Can I call the IRS on behalf of someone else?

Only if you have a power of attorney form (Form 2848) on file with the IRS, or if the person whose return you are calling about is on the call with you. The representative will ask to verify your authority before discussing the account.

Is there a way to schedule a call with the IRS instead of waiting in a queue?

The IRS does not offer scheduled phone appointments through the main line. However, if you visit an IRS office in person, you can sometimes schedule an appointment with a representative. You can find your local IRS office on the IRS website.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.