How to Speak to Someone at the IRS

Getting ahold of someone at the IRS over the phone is notoriously difficult, but it can be done if you select the correct options — and are willing to wait a bit.

Step-by-step instructions on which menu options to select are below, but keep in mind that if the IRS phone lines are particularly understaffed that day, you may be facing a long wait time to reach someone at the IRS, even if you correctly follow the steps below.

Although the IRS phone lines are open between 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in your local time (with Alaska and Hawaii following Pacific Time), the IRS says that the best time to call is before 10:00 AM.

In my experience, the earlier you call, the better.

Also, Mondays (followed by Tuesdays) tend to be the busiest days for IRS phone lines, so call later in the week if possible.

How to Speak to Someone at the IRS (Step-by-Step)

Here’s exactly how to speak to someone at the IRS over the phone:

1. Call 1-800-829-1040 between the hours of 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM local time.

2. Press “1” for English or “2” for Spanish.

3. Press “2” for “answers about your personal income taxes.”

4. Press “1” for “questions about a form you have already submitted or a payment or to order a tax transcript.”

5. Press “3” for “all other questions about your tax history or payment.”

6. Press “2” for “all other questions about your tax history or payment.”

7. Do not input your Social Security Number when the recording tells you to.

8. Press “2” for “personal- or individual-tax related question.”

9. Press “4” for “all other inquiries.”

10. Wait to be connected to someone at the IRS.

What Is the IRS Phone Wait Time?

According to the IRS, the IRS phone wait time varies based on what month it is.  See the table below for average wait times by time of year.

Information You Need When Calling the IRS

When you call the IRS, make sure you have this information handy:

• Your Social Security number and birth date
• Your filing status
• Your previous year’s tax return
• Any correspondences (letters, notices, etc.) from the IRS pertaining to your question

If you are calling for somebody else, you will need their information as well as a valid Form 8821 or Form 2848.

If you are calling for a deceased taxpayer, you will need their death certificate and either a court approval letter or IRS Form 56 to speak to the IRS on behalf of the decedent.

What the IRS Will Not Discuss With You Over the Phone

According to the IRS, IRS telephone operators cannot assist with every question.  Here is a partial list of topics that you will not be able to get help with from an IRS operator over the phone:

• 1031 Exchanges
• 529 Plans for Primary School Education
• 754 Election
• Basis Calculation
• Change in Accounting Method
• Corporate Consolidations, Mergers, or Reorganizations
• Cryptocurrency
• Day Trading
• Depreciation
• Entity Classification Election
• Excess Business Losses
• Health Savings Accounts
• Net Operating Losses
• Opportunity Zones
• Qualified Business Income Deduction
• Sale of Business
• Stock Options
• Trusts