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.
How do I request my w2’s from the IRS to be sent to me?
You have to contact your employer for your W-2.
For the past sixty years, my wife and I have filed a joint return. She passed away in March of 2022. Should I still file a 2022 joint return as if she had been here for the entire year? Thank you.
Sorry for your loss. You can file jointly for the tax period in which a spouse passes away. You might find the below helpful:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/how-to-file-a-final-tax-return-for-someone-who-has-passed-away
– The IRS considers someone married for the entire year that their husband or wife died if they don’t remarry during that year.
– The surviving spouse is eligible to use filing status married filing jointly or married filing separately.
– The final return is due by the regular April tax date unless the surviving spouse or representative has an extension to file.
Further reading: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p559.pdf
I filed my return on Feb 18. and it has been in process since the day I filed on the Refund Status Checker. Can you please let me know how to get in touch with someone? The phone line is all automated and hangs up when I get to the proper prompt.