IRS Customer Service Number: Phone Line for General IRS Tax Issues
Thomas Maxon, CEO & Co-founder of Claimyr | last updated: 11/04/2023
Call this IRS customer service phone number if you are an individual taxpayer (866) 682-7451. Don’t make the mistake of just copying the number and calling; there are hundreds of different departments. You need to know what your issue is first to speak to the right IRS agent.
Here’s how to call the IRS main customer service phone menu
Calling the standard IRS phone line at (800) 829-1040 usually means long wait times. Try this one below instead for faster help!
| IRS Issue | Number | How to Talk to a Human |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Main Customer Phone Number | 866-682-7451 | Dial 1, 5, 6, 9 (last updated: 04/08/2022) |
Follow these steps to call 866-682-7451
- Dial 866-682-7451,
- press 1 for English or press 2 for Spanish,
- Enter “569” immediately after you hear “enter in your three-digit number on the top right of your IRS letter,
- The IRS will then tell you how long the estimated wait time on hold will be,
- Wait on hold until an IRS representative picks up!
Use the tool below for tips to skip the hold time, the long menu, the best times to call, and a guaranteed way to get through.
866-682-7451 IRS customer service hours of operation
This IRS customer service phone number takes calls Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Calling is the fastest way to deal with the IRS
Talking to a professional IRS phone representative can be the quickest way to solve a tax issue. Mailing documents to the IRS can take weeks or even months. The IRS has some online tools, but many tax problems are designed to be solved by an IRS customer service phone representative.
The IRS wants you to call them, and yes, they know the lines can be challenging to get through. Knowing your exact IRS issue before calling the IRS is very important. Here is an extensive list of IRS phone numbers and departments if you know what your IRS tax issue is.
Here are some reasons to call the main IRS phone number
This IRS general helpline covers many tax issues, including basic tax questions. If you’re unsure which IRS department to contact, this IRS line is a great place to start.
Some common tax issues you can get help with by calling this line,
- Tax refund delays,
- transcript requests and questions,
- questions about an IRS notice or letter,
- questions about money owed to the IRS.
WARNING: don't use this number to call about ID verification issues. Instead, find out the only way to call the IRS identity verification phone number.
When an IRS phone representative picks up the phone, they will solve your problem or transfer you to the correct IRS department.
Documents to have ready before you call IRS customer service
Being prepared to talk to an IRS representative helps things go smoothly. Make sure you have the following information available to share when you call!
Helpful IRS documents to have ready
- A copy of your tax return - this is likely IRS form 1040,
- your Social Security number and birth date,
- your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you have one,
- a prior year(s) IRS tax return if they need it,
- a copy of your tax transcript,
- all IRS letters or notices you’ve received through the USPS mail.
You can skip the wait line by checking out this calling widget below:
Here’s how to call the IRS main customer service phone menu
Calling the standard IRS phone line at (800) 829-1040 usually means long wait times. Try this one below instead for faster help!
| IRS Issue | Number | How to Talk to a Human |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Main Customer Phone Number | 866-682-7451 | Dial 1, 5, 6, 9 (last updated: 04/08/2022) |
If you're experiencing significant hardship and need specialized assistance, consider reaching out to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, which can offer personalized help with your tax issues.
Follow these steps to call 866-682-7451
- Dial 866-682-7451,
- press 1 for English or press 2 for Spanish,
- Enter “569” immediately after you hear “enter in your three-digit number on the top right of your IRS letter,
- The IRS will then tell you how long the estimated wait time on hold will be,
- Wait on hold until an IRS representative picks up!
Use the tool below for tips to skip the hold time, the long menu, the best times to call, and a guaranteed way to get through.
If you need in-person assistance after your call, you can schedule an appointment at one of the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) for further support with your tax queries.
866-682-7451 IRS customer service hours of operation
This IRS customer service phone number takes calls Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised and you may be a victim of identity theft, you can contact the IRS Identity Theft Phone Number for specialized assistance during the same customer service hours.
Calling is the fastest way to deal with the IRS
Talking to a professional IRS phone representative can be the quickest way to solve a tax issue. Mailing documents to the IRS can take weeks or even months. The IRS has some online tools, but many tax problems are designed to be solved by an IRS customer service phone representative.
The IRS wants you to call them, and yes, they know the lines can be challenging to get through. Knowing your exact IRS issue before calling the IRS is very important. Here is an extensive list of IRS phone numbers and departments if you know what your IRS tax issue is.
If you're considering setting up a payment plan for your taxes, you can discuss your options directly with a representative by referencing the IRS Payment Plan Options page, which provides detailed contact information for the appropriate department.
Here are some reasons to call the main IRS phone number
This IRS general helpline covers many tax issues, including basic tax questions. If you’re unsure which IRS department to contact, this IRS line is a great place to start.
If you need detailed information about your past tax returns, you can also use the main IRS phone number to request a detailed IRS Tax Return Transcript Request directly from the agency.
Some common tax issues you can get help with by calling this line,
- Tax refund delays,
- transcript requests and questions,
- questions about an IRS notice or letter,
- questions about money owed to the IRS.
WARNING: don't use this number to call about ID verification issues. Instead, find out the only way to call the IRS identity verification phone number.
When an IRS phone representative picks up the phone, they will solve your problem or transfer you to the correct IRS department.
Documents to have ready before you call IRS customer service
Being prepared to talk to an IRS representative helps things go smoothly. Make sure you have the following information available to share when you call!
Helpful IRS documents to have ready
- A copy of your tax return - this is likely IRS form 1040,
- your Social Security number and birth date,
- your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you have one,
- a prior year(s) IRS tax return if they need it,
- a copy of your tax transcript,
- all IRS letters or notices you’ve received through the USPS mail.
You can skip the wait line by checking out this calling widget below: