Telephone assistors can help with many topics but see the list of topics our assistors can’t address.
Verify your identity when you call
Our representatives must verify your identity before discussing your personal information.
Have the following ready when you call:
Individuals
- Social Security numbers (SSN) and birth dates
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you don’t have a Social Security number
- Filing status – single, head of household, married filing jointly, married filing separately or qualifying surviving spouse
- Prior-year tax return
- Tax return you’re calling about
- Any correspondence we sent to you
Third parties calling for someone else
- Taxpayer’s name, SSN or ITIN
- Tax return you’re calling about
- Verbal or written authorization (Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization or Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) to discuss the account
- Preparer tax identification number or personal identification number
Third parties calling for a deceased taxpayer
- Death certificate
- Court approval letter or our IRS Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship (for estate executors)
IRS phone number – Call wait times
Filing season (January – April)
- 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.
Post-filing season (May – December)
- Wait times can average 14 minutes. Some phone lines may have longer wait times.
- Wait times are shorter Wednesday through Friday.
Our help lines are open Monday through Friday. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii should follow Pacific time. Phone lines in Puerto Rico are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
During periods of high call volume, you may receive the option to receive a return call once a customer service representative is available instead of waiting on hold. This option is available on most toll-free topics. A return call may be offered when wait times exceed 15 minutes and if a representative can be reached during regular IRS business hours.
Individuals 800-829-1040 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Businesses 800-829-4933 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Tax professionals If you have a valid third-party authorization, contact the Practitioner Priority Service. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Non-profit taxes 877-829-5500 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time
Estate and gift taxes (Form 706/709) 866-699-4083 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time
Excise taxes 866-699-4096 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time
Overseas callers Use our International Services page.
Callers who are hearing impaired TTY/TDD 800-829-4059