Skip to main content
Contacting the IRS
Updated this week

When it comes to navigating your taxes, reaching out to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be an essential step. Whether you have questions about your tax return, need assistance with payments, or are looking for various tax information, the IRS offers a range of resources to help. Understanding how to contact them and what options are available can make the process much smoother, ensuring you get the assistance you need to stay on track with your taxes.

Contact the IRS by phone

Giving the IRS a call can be a great way to get the tax help you need. Just dial 1-800-829-1040 to reach a friendly representative who can assist you with personal tax inquiries. They’re available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, making it easy to find a time that works for you.

Before you call, it’s a good idea to have your Social Security number and any relevant tax documents ready. While you might have to wait a bit, once you’re connected you’ll be on your way to getting the answers you need to tackle your taxes with confidence. Remember, the phone lines can get very busy during the filing season from February through April.

Visit a local IRS office

If you're more of a people person when it comes to tax help, visiting your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) is a great option. You can easily find a TAC nearby and see what services they offer. Once you’ve picked your spot, just call 844-545-5640 to book your appointment. Just a heads-up: the IRS offices take a day off on federal holidays, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.

What other helpful tools are there?

In addition to personal assistance, the IRS offers a treasure trove of self-help options for common tax issues, allowing you to find answers whenever you need them. Whether you want to explore their website or use handy online tools, these resources are designed to help you navigate your tax questions at your own pace. It’s like having a helpful tax guide available 24/7, making it easier than ever to tackle those tax concerns without the wait!

Here’s some of the most popular tools and pages and how to use them:

You can easily access your individual account information, including your balance, payments, tax records, and more, all in one place. If you’re a new user, just make sure to have your photo ID handy to get started.

Check your refund status easily with this tool! You'll see updates about 24 hours after e-filing your current-year return, or 3 to 4 days after e-filing a prior-year return. If you submitted a paper return, just hang tight for about four weeks. It’s a straightforward way to stay in the loop about your refund!

The IRS accepts full or partial payments, including payments through installment agreements. Keep in mind, though, that penalties and interest will continue to grow until you pay off the full balance, so settling up sooner can save you from extra costs.

You can access your personal tax records either online or by mail, making it easy to get your transcripts of past tax returns, tax account information, wage and income statements, and verification of non-filing letters.

You can start checking the status of your amended return about three weeks after you send it off. While most Form 1040-X returns get processed within 8 to 12 weeks, sometimes it can take up to 16 weeks. View the processing status dashboard there for the latest updates on your amendment. Plus, with the "Where’s My Amended Return" tool, you can track your return status for this tax year or up to three years back. It’s like having a personal tax tracker at your fingertips.

Get ready to tackle your tax questions with this awesome tool! Just pick a topic and enter a bit of info, and you’ll quickly find the answers you need. Plus, your information remains completely anonymous—only used to help you out. The IRS won’t share or store it, so you can ask away without any worries.

Connecting with the IRS can be a breeze when you know your options. From phone support to handy online resources, there’s a wealth of assistance available to help you navigate your tax questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out and get the clarity you need. After all, staying informed is key to making tax season smooth and stress-free.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.

Any third-party links are provided for informational purposes only. The third parties and their sites are not endorsed by April and April is not responsible for, and has no control over, their content, privacy policies, or terms of service.

Did this answer your question?