Main IRS Phone Number
- 800-829-1040
Available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Key IRS Phone Numbers by Service
General Tax Assistance
- Appointments with Local IRS Office: 844-545-5640
- Free Tax Clinic Locator: 888-227-7669
- Taxpayer Advocate Service: 877-777-4778
- Disaster Victim Assistance: 866-562-5227
- Estate and Gift Tax Questions: 866-699-4083
- Employer Identification Number Help: 800-829-4933
Tax Trouble
- Identity Theft or Refund Fraud: 800-908-4490
- Report Scams or Phishing: 800-366-4484
- Whistleblower Hotline: 800-829-0433
Tax Returns and Refunds
- Amended Return Status: 866-464-2050
- Refund Status: 800-829-1954
- Refund Offset (Debt Deduction): 800-304-3107
Payments and Balances
- Balance Due Questions: 800-829-3903
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (Spanish): 800-244-4829
- Tax Lien Help: 800-913-6050
Tax Forms and Documentation
- Order Paper Tax Forms: 800-829-3676
- Request Tax Transcripts: 800-908-9946
Accessibility and Interpretation Services
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing Support: 800-829-4059
- Large Print/Braille Forms: 800-829-3676
Self-Employed and Business Taxpayers
- Self-Employment Tax Help: 800-829-4933
- Business Tax Return Help: 800-829-0115
International Taxpayers
- International Taxpayer Advocate (Spanish): 787-522-8600
- Overseas Taxpayer Assistance: 267-941-1000
State Tax Department Numbers
For state-specific tax help, you can contact your local tax department. Some examples:
- California: 800-852-5711
- Texas: 888-334-4112
- Florida: 850-488-6800
View the full list for other states.
Tips for Contacting the IRS
- Prepare Documentation:
- Social Security number or ITIN.
- Filing status and relevant tax returns.
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IRS correspondence, if applicable.
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Avoid Common Mistakes:
- Use IRS.gov for simple queries to save time.
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Be cautious of long wait times during peak tax season (January–April).
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When Not to Call:
- Use online tools like the Interactive Tax Assistant or Refund Status Check for faster help.
Watch Out for IRS Phone Scams
The IRS primarily communicates through mail via the U.S. Postal Service, not phone calls, emails, or texts. Be cautious and avoid falling victim to scams by understanding how the IRS operates.
When the IRS May Contact You:
The IRS may reach out by mail to schedule an appointment for situations like:
1. Overdue Tax Bills
If you owe taxes, they will send you a notice with detailed instructions for payment.
2. Delinquent Tax Returns
To request overdue filings.
3. Delinquent Employment Tax Payments
If your business has unpaid taxes.
In rare cases, the IRS may visit your address after sending notice via mail (e.g., subpoenas or summonses).
What the IRS Will Never Do:
- Demand immediate payment by phone.
- Initiate contact via email, text, social media, or third-party apps.
- Ask for payment via prepaid cards, gift cards, or wire transfers.
- Threaten to arrest you with police or immigration authorities.
- Revoke your driver’s or business license or immigration status over the phone.
Protect Yourself from Scammers:
- Verify suspicious calls by contacting the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
- Never give out sensitive information (e.g., Social Security number or banking details) over the phone.
- Report suspicious activity to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 800-366-4484.
- Visit IRS.gov for more guidance on handling scams.
Stay alert and protect your personal information! The IRS wants taxpayers to be aware of these common tactics used by scammers to avoid falling prey.
Other Assistance Options
- Taxpayer Assistance Centers: Schedule in-person help (appointment required).
- Taxpayer Advocate Service: Free help for unresolved tax issues.
- Voice Bots: Automated assistance available on select lines for common queries.
With these resources, navigating the IRS phone system should feel less daunting!
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