Contact the IRS: IRS Customer Service Phone Number and Hours

by Ca Lefson

For general inquiries, you can call the main IRS phone number at 800-829-1040. However, this can sometimes lead to long wait times. If you’re looking to talk to a live person more quickly, this guide provides a list of lesser-known IRS phone numbers that might be more helpful. Using these alternative IRS customer service numbers could connect you to the IRS customer service number to talk to a person faster, making your experience more efficient and less stressful.

Explore Online Options Before Calling the IRS

Before calling, we recommend exploring these online options on the IRS and eFile.com websites. Phone wait times can be long, especially during tax season. Here’s what you can do online:

• Track Your IRS Tax Refund
• Track Your State Tax Refund
• Pay Your IRS Taxes
• Create an IRS Account
• Get Status of Your Tax Amendment
• Find IRS Mailing Addresses
• Access Rejection Codes
• Search for IRS and State Tax Forms, Publications, and Resources
• Contact eFile.com Support

For more detailed help, including contacting a real person, check out the IRS customer service phone numbers and live online chat options provided on this page. You’ll navigate through automated prompts to reach a live representative. Explore these online resources before calling the IRS customer service number for a live person.

Recommended For You: How to Contact IRS?

IRS Contact Numbers

The IRS provides several free customer service phone numbers, each dedicated to different topics. You can find the updated IRS customer service numbers below. To help reduce long wait times, the IRS uses voice bots and automated A.I. systems. During tax season, you could wait over an hour just to speak to a live agent. The IRS virtual assistants can answer common questions, check refund status, retrieve account payment history, or report identity theft. Use the contact numbers below to get the help you need quickly.

IRS Customer Service, Online Live Chat

The IRS provides both chatbots and live agents for quick online assistance with basic questions. Automated responses can help answer common questions before transferring you to a real person. To access this feature, look for the "Start a conversation" button at the bottom of certain IRS web pages.

Before starting a chat, be sure to have your information ready for verification. Through the chat, you can check your tax refund status, make a one-time payment, and get general assistance. You'll receive prompts based on the page you're on, and if the chatbot can't help, it will connect you to a live agent.

Unlike the IRS, eFile.com connects you directly with a real person to assist with your taxes or general questions. Sign up for a free eFile account for personalized support and faster answers to your tax concerns.

IRS Face-to-Face Meeting

If you prefer in-person assistance, you can schedule an appointment at your local IRS office. However, due to staffing and other limitations, appointments may be scarce or hard to secure. To book an in-person meeting, first locate your nearest IRS office, then call the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1-844-829-3676 to schedule your appointment.

How eFile.com Can Save You from Contacting the IRS?

Let’s be honest—waiting on hold with the IRS can be frustrating. What if there was a way to handle everything without needing to call them directly? eFile.com is here to make things easier and help you bypass those long wait times. Here’s how we can assist you:

Effortless Tax Filing We make tax preparation simple and stress-free. Whether you need help with finding the right credits and deductions, amending previous returns (with Form 1040-X), or filing back taxes, our platform guides you through every step.

Expert Support: When you file with eFile.com, you benefit from expert guidance. Our service helps you maximize your tax refund and ensures you get the most out of your deductions and credits, all without the hassle of calling the IRS.

Purpose-Built Calculators Our exclusive tools help you navigate your tax situation:

• DATEucator: Find out your 2024 tax refund date.
• STATEucator: Calculate your state taxes.
• DEPENDucator: Check if you can claim a dependent.
• CHILDucator: Determine if you’re eligible for the Child Tax Credit.
• CAREucator: Calculate the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
• FILEucator: See if you need to file a tax return.
• EITCucator: Check your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• RELucator: Find out if you can claim a relative as a dependent.

Get started with eFile.com today and leave the IRS wait times behind!

How can I reach a live person at the IRS using the IRS customer service phone number?

To connect with a live IRS agent, follow these steps when you call the IRS customer service phone number:

1. Press 1 for English.
2. Press 2 for "Personal Income Tax."
3. Press 1 for "Form, Tax History, or Payment."
4. Press 3 for "For All Other Questions."
5. Press 2 for "For All Other Questions."
6. When asked to enter your SSN or EIN, do not enter anything. After two prompts, you'll be directed to another menu.
7. Press 2 for "Personal or Individual Tax Questions."
8. Press 4 for "For All Other Inquiries," and you'll be transferred to a live person.

Expect a wait, but this method connects you to a real agent.

What are the IRS customer service hours?

You can reach the IRS by phone Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. During tax season (January to April), the average wait time is about three minutes. In the off-season (May to December), it typically extends to 11 minutes. Be aware that call volumes can be higher on Mondays, Tuesdays, around Presidents Day, and during the weeks leading up to the tax deadline.

What are other ways to contact a real person at the IRS?

If you need help with tax issues that you can't resolve online or by phone, you have a few other options:

Option 1: Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center: These local offices are usually open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s best to schedule an appointment in advance, although some centers offer walk-in assistance.

Option 2: Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service: This independent organization within the IRS helps with tax problems that you can't resolve on your own. Visit your local Taxpayer Advocate Service office for personalized support.

What should I prepare before calling the IRS customer service phone number?

Before calling the IRS, make sure you have the following information ready to verify your identity:

1. Your Social Security number or ITIN.
2. Your date of birth.
3. Your filing status.
4. The prior-year tax return and the tax return you’re asking about.
5. Any IRS correspondence you’ve received (via email or your online account).

If you are calling on behalf of someone else or someone who has passed away, you will need additional documents, including:

• Verbal or written authorization.
• A valid Form 8821 or Form 2848.
• Relevant paperwork, such as a death certificate or court letter.

Keep in mind that some topics may not be handled by IRS representatives. Alternatively, you can visit your local Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent IRS organization, for assistance with unresolved tax issues.

How can I pay my taxes by credit card using the IRS payment phone number(s)?

To pay your taxes by credit card, use one of the following non-governmental third-party sites:

• 800-555-3453
• 800-555-4477
• 303-967-5916 (for calls outside the U.S.)

For detailed payment instructions and more information, visit the Treasury.gov website.

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