The IRS is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone

The Internal Revenue Service operates on a standard business schedule. They are closed on weekends and federal holidays. If you call outside these hours, you will reach an automated system that can answer some questions, but you cannot speak to a person until the next business day.

The IRS does not operate on a single time zone. When you call, your wait time depends on the volume of calls coming in during your local business hours. Early morning calls (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) typically have shorter wait times than afternoon calls.

If today is a federal holiday — such as New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas — the IRS is closed and phone lines will not connect you to a representative. The IRS website lists all observed holidays on their main page.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone, and closed on weekends and federal holidays.
  • Calling early in the morning usually means shorter wait times than calling in the afternoon.
  • You can check your account status, view payment history, and set up payment plans through IRS.gov without waiting on hold.
  • If you need to speak to someone and cannot reach them by phone, you can visit a local IRS office in person during business hours.
  • The IRS website has a holiday schedule that shows which days the agency will be closed each year.

What you can do online instead of calling

Many tasks that once required a phone call can now be completed through IRS.gov. You can check the status of a refund, view your tax account, make a payment, or set up a payment plan without speaking to anyone. These tools are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you owe back taxes, you can set up an installment agreement directly through the IRS website. If you need a copy of a past tax return or transcript, you can order it online and have it mailed to you or view it immediately. These options save you from waiting on hold.

How to reach the IRS by phone

The main IRS customer service number is 1-800-829-1040. This line handles general tax questions and account inquiries. Wait times vary widely depending on the time of year — they are longest during tax season (January through April) and shortest in the fall and winter.

If you have a specific issue, the IRS has separate phone lines for different situations. The number for payment and account issues is 1-800-829-1040. If you are calling about a notice you received, that same number can direct you to the right department. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year in question ready before you call.

Visiting an IRS office in person

If you cannot reach the IRS by phone or prefer to speak to someone face-to-face, you can visit a local IRS office. These offices are located in most cities and towns. You can find the nearest one by entering your zip code on IRS.gov.

In-person visits do not require an appointment at most locations, but wait times can be long during tax season. Some IRS offices now use a virtual appointment system, which lets you schedule a time slot in advance. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.

Federal holidays when the IRS is closed

The IRS observes all federal holidays. This means phone lines are closed and offices are not staffed. The main holidays are New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25).

When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the IRS observes it on the nearest weekday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, the IRS is closed on Friday. Check the IRS website for the complete holiday schedule for the current year.

Getting help outside normal business hours

If you need information outside IRS business hours, the IRS website has automated tools and frequently asked questions that work around the clock. You can also use the IRS2Go mobile app to check your refund status or make a payment at any time.

If your issue is urgent and you cannot wait until the IRS reopens, consider whether a tax professional or certified public accountant can help. They may be able to resolve your issue or file paperwork on your behalf while you wait for the IRS to reopen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IRS open on Saturday or Sunday?

No. The IRS is closed on weekends. Phone lines do not connect to representatives, and offices are not staffed. You can still use IRS.gov and the IRS2Go app to check your account or make a payment on weekends.

What time should I call the IRS to have the shortest wait?

Early morning calls between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. in your local time zone usually have the shortest wait times. Avoid calling in the afternoon or late in the day. During tax season (January through April), wait times are long no matter when you call.

Can I schedule an appointment with the IRS instead of waiting on hold?

Some IRS offices offer virtual appointments through their website. You can schedule a time to speak with someone by phone or video without waiting in a queue. Check your local IRS office's website to see if this option is available in your area.

What should I do if I need help and the IRS is closed?

Use IRS.gov to check your account status, make a payment, or view your tax information. If you have a complex question, consider contacting a tax professional or certified public accountant who can help you while you wait for the IRS to reopen.