IRS Customer Service Phone Number

The IRS has various phone numbers depending on the type of assistance you are seeking.

Individuals	1-800-829-1040
Businesses	1-800-829-4933
International	1-267-941-1000
Callers with hearing impairments	1-800-829-4059
Refund hotline*	1-800-829-1954

*The 1-800-829-1954 refund hotline is an automated line.

Tip: To avoid long hold times, call the IRS number as early in the morning as possible.  Telephone customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

How to Prepare for the Phone Call with IRS Customer Service

Before you call IRS customer service, be sure you know or have the following information handy:

• Social Security numbers and birth dates for those who were on the return you are calling about
• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter if you don’t have a Social Security number (SSN)
• Your filing status – single, head of household, married filing, joint, or married filing separate
• Your prior-year tax return, in case the IRS needs to verify your identity before answering certain questions
• A copy of the tax return you’re calling about
• Any letters or notices the IRS has sent you

Note that the IRS will only speak with the taxpayer or their legally designated representative. You cannot call about someone else’s account without a valid Form 2848 or Form 8821.

Online Help

IRS customer service hold times can be long, especially during peak filing season. You may be able to avoid waiting on the phone by using IRS.gov online assistance.

For example, you can do the following online:

1. Where’s My Refund Tool

Check your refund status by clicking on the “Where’s My Refund” tool.

2. Get a Tax Transcript

If you need to check your tax account history, you can order an account transcript online.

Click on the “Get Transcript” tool.

3. Make a Payment

If you need to make a payment, you can pay online by direct pay or by using your credit or debit card.

Click on the “Pay your Taxes Now” tool.

Face-to-face assistance

In most major cities, the IRS has taxpayer assistance centers you may visit to receive face-to-face assistance. All offices operate by appointment. You can find the location closest to you using the IRS’ office locator.