IRS offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, but phone lines and walk-in service vary by location and season

The IRS does not operate on a single schedule. Most local IRS offices keep regular business hours, but the phone lines that handle tax questions, payment issues, and account problems often have different hours — and they close earlier in the year than they do later. If you need to speak with someone in person, you will need to find your specific office location and call ahead, because walk-in availability is not may provide and changes throughout the year.

The main IRS phone line (1-800-829-1040) is open year-round, but wait times are longest during tax season, which runs from January through mid-April. Outside tax season, you are more likely to reach someone quickly, though you may still wait 30 minutes or longer during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS phone line 1-800-829-1040 is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time during tax season (January through mid-April), and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year.
  • Local IRS office walk-in hours vary by location and are often shorter than phone line hours; call your office before visiting to confirm they are accepting walk-ins that day.
  • The IRS is closed on federal holidays, and phone wait times are longest in February and March.
  • You can also reach the IRS through their website at irs.gov, where you can check the status of a refund, view your account transcript, or find your local office address and phone number.

Phone line hours during and after tax season

From January 1 through mid-April, the main IRS phone line operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. This extended schedule is meant to handle the volume of calls during tax filing season. After mid-April, the hours shrink to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through the end of the year.

Wait times during tax season can exceed an hour, especially in February and March. If you call early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may wait less time than if you call mid-day. The IRS also recommends calling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays rather than Mondays or Fridays, when call volume is typically higher.

The phone line is closed on federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Walk-in office hours and availability

If you need to visit an IRS office in person, hours depend on which office you go to. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but not all offices are open every day, and some have reduced hours during certain times of year. Some offices close for lunch or operate on a limited schedule.

Walk-in service is not may provide at any IRS office. Many offices now require you to call ahead or schedule an appointment through the IRS website. During tax season, walk-in capacity is often full, and you may be turned away even during posted hours. Call your local office before you go, or check irs.gov to find your nearest office and see whether it accepts walk-ins on the day you plan to visit.

To find your local IRS office, go to irs.gov, click "Contact Us," and enter your zip code. The search will show you the office address, phone number, and current hours.

How to reach the IRS outside of phone and walk-in hours

If you cannot reach the IRS by phone during business hours, you can use the IRS website to handle many common tasks without speaking to anyone. You can check the status of your refund, download a copy of your tax return, view your account transcript, or pay taxes online. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also mail a letter to the IRS if your issue is not urgent. The address depends on where you live and what type of return you filed; the IRS website provides the correct mailing address for your situation. Mail typically takes two to four weeks to process, so this option is slower than calling or visiting in person.

For certain issues, you can also use the IRS's online chat service during business hours, which may have shorter wait times than the phone line. This service is available on irs.gov under "Contact Us."

Special hours for specific services

Some IRS services have their own phone lines and hours separate from the main line. The Taxpayer Advocate Service, which helps people with unresolved tax problems, has different hours and may be reachable when the main line is not. The number is 1-877-777-4778.

If you are calling about a specific issue — such as a payment plan, an audit, or a collection matter — the IRS may route you to a specialized line with its own hours. When you call the main number, the automated system will ask you questions to determine which department you need, and it will tell you the hours for that specific service.

What to have ready before you call

When you call the IRS, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready. If you are calling about a specific tax year, have that year's return in front of you. If you are calling about a notice or letter from the IRS, have that document nearby so you can reference the notice number and any account information printed on it.

If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you will need a power of attorney form (Form 2848) on file with the IRS before the representative can discuss that person's account with you. Without this form, the IRS cannot release any information, even if you have the person's permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IRS open on weekends?

No, the IRS is not open on Saturdays or Sundays. Phone lines and offices are open Monday through Friday only, except on federal holidays when they are closed entirely.

Can I schedule an appointment at an IRS office instead of waiting for walk-in service?

Yes. Many IRS offices now require appointments, especially during tax season. You can schedule an appointment through irs.gov or by calling your local office. Appointments are often easier to get than walk-in slots and have shorter wait times.

What if I need to reach the IRS on a holiday?

The IRS is closed on federal holidays and does not answer phones or accept walk-ins. You can use the IRS website to check your refund status, pay taxes, or download documents 24 hours a day. If your issue is urgent, you can also contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778 on the next business day.

How long will I wait on hold if I call the IRS?

Wait times vary widely depending on the time of year, time of day, and which service you need. During tax season, waits often exceed 30 minutes. Calling early in the morning, on mid-week days, or after mid-April will generally result in shorter waits than calling in February or March.

Can I reach the IRS by email?

The IRS does not accept general inquiries by email. However, if you have a specific tax issue and have already contacted the IRS by phone or mail without resolution, you may be able to reach the Taxpayer Advocate Service, which can communicate with the IRS on your behalf.