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How to Call the IRS

Last updated: March 10, 2026

The IRS phone number is 1-800-829-1040. That's the easy part. The hard part is getting through the automated maze and actually talking to a human — especially between January and April when everyone else is trying to do the same thing. Here's everything you need to know to get it done.

What to have ready

Before you dial, gather everything the agent will ask for. Nothing burns more than waiting 45 minutes only to get told to call back because you don't have a piece of paper.

Getting through the phone tree

The IRS automated system is designed to deflect you. It wants you to go online. You have to be persistent and, frankly, a bit stubborn. Here's the fastest path to a live agent:

  1. Call 1-800-829-1040
  2. Select your language — press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish
  3. Press 2 for "personal income tax"
  4. When it asks for your SSN or EIN, do not enter anything — just wait
  5. Press 2 again (for personal tax questions)
  6. Press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment"
  7. Press 4 for "all other inquiries"
  8. You should now be placed in queue for a live agent

The key trick is step 4 — when the system asks for your SSN, just sit there. After a few seconds it'll move on without it, and this routes you toward a general agent faster than entering your info and getting shunted through more menus.

Checking your refund status

Before you call about a refund, try the Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov — it updates once daily and often has the same info an agent would give you. But if your refund has been "processing" for more than 21 days, or you got a weird notice, calling makes sense.

What to say

"I'm calling to check the status of my refund. I filed electronically on [date] and it's been more than 21 days without an update. My Social Security number is [SSN] and my filing status is [status]. The expected refund amount is [amount]."

Setting up a payment plan

If you owe taxes and can't pay in full, the IRS is more flexible than you'd expect. They deal with this all day. Don't avoid the call — the penalties for not setting up a plan are worse than the plan itself.

What to say

"I need to set up a payment plan for my [year] tax balance. I owe approximately [amount]. I can afford to pay [monthly amount] per month. I'd like to set up a direct debit installment agreement."

For balances under $50,000, you can usually set up an installment agreement over the phone in one call. Above that threshold, they may ask for a financial disclosure (Form 433-F).

General tax questions

Calling to ask questions about your taxes — whether you need to file, how a specific deduction works, or what to do about a notice you received — is totally fine. That's what the line is there for.

What to say

"I have a question about [topic]. I received notice number [number] dated [date], and I'd like to understand what's being asked and what my options are."

Tips to cut your hold time

Other useful IRS numbers

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