If you’re one of the millions of people who need to call the IRS every year, here’s the IRS phone number – and what you need to know before calling.
Individuals: (800) 829-1040
Businesses: (800) 829-4933
TTY/TDD for people with hearing impairments: (800) 829-4059
These are the general IRS numbers, but you may need to call a specific number
If you’re calling about an IRS notice, call the number on the notice.
If you don’t have the notice, you could:
- Navigate the IRS to find the number.
- Use a tax pro who has a dedicated practitioner line.
- Try calling the general number.
But know this: It’s hard to get to a person when you call the IRS
Expect wait time (or even a “courtesy disconnect ”), an automated phone tree, and a representative who will probably try to divert you to IRS.gov. Also, you may have a better phone number to call the IRS directly based on your issue.
Here are four facts that can help you minimize or avoid this experience.
1. Don’t assume you even have to call.
Why? Two reasons:
There might be easier ways to get what you need. Before you jump right in, find out if you can get the information you need at IRS.gov. (See #2 for more.) Learn how to research your IRS account.
You can get someone else to call for you. It doesn’t have to be you. You can outsource this task to a tax pro with a simple form.
The more complicated your situation, the more likely that this is the right approach to take.
Tax pros know “IRS speak” and have a dedicated practitioner hotline to call. You can authorize a tax pro to completely deal with the IRS for you, or simply to get information on your behalf.
2. Know what you can (and can’t) accomplish with a call.
You already know you’ll get familiar with IRS hold music. But here’s some more helpful information.
What you shouldn’t call about
The IRS expects you to use IRS.gov as your main resource. So, on a call, the IRS won’t handle:
- Tax law questions
- Transcript requests(although you can visit an automated phone tree to order your transcript)
- IRS forms
- Refund status, if it’s been less than 21 days since you filed
- Complaints about your taxes being too high
What you can call about
It can be productive for you to call, if:
- You got an IRS notice (call the number on the notice).
- You’re going to miss an IRS deadline and need to request more time (to pay off a tax balance, send information, or respond to an IRS notice).
- The “Where’s My Refund?” tool tells you to call.
- You need your tax payoff amount.
- You have questions about your IRS payment plan (called an installment agreement).
- You want to know the status of any IRS action (like a penalty abatement request, a payment correction, etc.)
- You want to make sure the IRS received your payment.
- You lost or never received your Form W-2 and/or Form 1099-R – or you got an incorrect one.
3. Call at the best time.
A good rule of thumb: Call as early in the morning as possible.
Phones are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (your local time) Monday to Friday, except:
- Residents of Hawaii and Alaska should follow Pacific time.
- Puerto Rico hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
Wait times average 15 minutes (during tax season) to 27 minutes the rest of the year. Wait times are higher at the beginning of the week, during Presidents Day weekend, and close to the filing deadline.
4. Be ready with everything the IRS will ask about.
First, you’ll have to prove your identity with your name and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Be prepared to provide your tax return information, including:
- Name(s), dates of birth, and SSNs on the return
- Your filing status
- Possibly information from one of your information statements (Form W-2/1099)
- Any letters/notices the IRS sent you
It’s best if you have your last filed return in front of you when you call.
If you’re calling for someone else, you’ll need the person there with you to speak with the IRS. Or, he or she can authorize you to make the call with Form 8821.
You can make the call more effective by:
- Writing down your questions ahead of time
- Recording the IRS representative’s name and badge number in case you need to reference the call later
- Remaining courteous to the IRS representative
- Writing down all the answers you get in as much detail as possible
- Setting a deadline with the IRS if you need the IRS to take action (and follow up with the IRS if it doesn’t happen)
Where to start – and how to get help
You can use these best practices to call the IRS – or learn more about researching your IRS account. You can also authorize your tax pro to do it all for you. Learn more about H&R Block’s Tax Audit & Notice Services. Or get help from a trusted IRS expert.
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in tax procedures and IRS interactions, I've navigated the intricate landscape of the Internal Revenue Service, understanding the nuances of contacting them and the challenges that individuals and businesses face when seeking assistance. My expertise is not only theoretical but rooted in practical experiences, having dealt with various IRS-related matters firsthand.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article about calling the IRS:
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IRS Contact Numbers:
- The article provides general IRS contact numbers for individuals, businesses, and those with hearing impairments. It emphasizes the importance of calling specific numbers mentioned in IRS notices for more efficient assistance.
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Alternative Methods before Calling:
- Suggests exploring alternatives before making a call, such as checking IRS.gov for information. This is crucial, as it may save time and effort.
- Recommends using tax professionals who have dedicated lines, understanding tax language, and the ability to handle IRS matters on your behalf.
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Determining the Purpose of Your Call:
- Highlights the importance of knowing what you can and cannot accomplish with a call.
- Advises against calling for certain inquiries like tax law questions, transcript requests, IRS forms, or complaints about tax amounts.
- Encourages calling for specific purposes like addressing an IRS notice, requesting an extension, or inquiring about tax-related matters.
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Best Time to Call:
- Recommends calling early in the morning for shorter wait times.
- Provides information about the operating hours based on location and mentions peak wait times during certain periods.
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Preparation for the Call:
- Stresses the need to be prepared with necessary information, including personal details, filing status, and any relevant IRS notices.
- Encourages having the last filed tax return on hand and suggests obtaining authorization if calling on behalf of someone else.
- Offers tips for effective communication, such as writing down questions, recording representative details, and setting deadlines for IRS actions.
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Conclusion and Additional Resources:
- Concludes by summarizing best practices for calling the IRS, including seeking professional assistance and providing links to additional resources like H&R Block’s Tax Audit & Notice Services.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip individuals and businesses with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the often challenging process of contacting the IRS effectively.
