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

The Internal Revenue Service operates on a standard business schedule. Most IRS offices and phone lines are staffed during these hours year-round, though some regional offices may have slightly different schedules. The IRS is closed on weekends and federal holidays.

If you need to visit an IRS office in person, you will need to make an appointment first. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. You can schedule an appointment through the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Phone lines tend to be busiest in the morning and during tax season (January through April). If you call in the afternoon or outside tax season, you may reach someone faster.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS answers phones and operates offices Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone.
  • You must schedule an appointment before visiting an IRS office in person; the IRS does not accept walk-ins.
  • Call 1-800-829-1040 to reach the IRS by phone or to book an in-person appointment.
  • Wait times are shorter in the afternoon and outside the January-to-April tax season.
  • The IRS is closed on weekends and all federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Federal holidays when the IRS is closed

The IRS observes all federal holidays. On these days, phone lines are not staffed and offices are not open. If you need to reach the IRS on a holiday, you will have to wait until the next business day.

The full list of federal holidays includes: 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), Juneteenth (June 19), 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).

How to reach the IRS by phone

The main IRS phone number is 1-800-829-1040. This line handles general tax questions, payment inquiries, and appointment scheduling. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and the season.

The IRS also operates specialized phone lines for different needs. If you are calling about a specific issue — such as a notice you received, a payment plan, or a tax return status — the representative who answers can often transfer you or provide the correct number.

Have your Social Security number, tax return information, or the notice you received ready before you call. This will speed up the process and help the representative locate your account.

Visiting an IRS office in person

IRS offices are located in most cities and counties. To find the office nearest you, go to the IRS website and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-829-1040 to ask for the address and phone number.

You must schedule an appointment before you go. Walk-ins are not accepted. When you call to schedule, tell the IRS what you need help with — this helps them set aside enough time and route you to the right person.

Bring all documents related to your issue: your tax return, any notices from the IRS, proof of income, receipts, or whatever relates to your question. Bring your ID and Social Security card as well.

Tax season hours and delays

During tax season (January through April), the IRS receives far more calls and visits than at other times of year. Phone wait times can stretch to several hours, and appointments may not be available for weeks.

If your question is not urgent, consider calling in May or later. If you do need to reach the IRS during tax season, calling in the afternoon (after 2 p.m.) or late in the week (Thursday or Friday) may result in shorter waits.

The IRS website also offers self-service tools that work year-round: you can check your refund status, make a payment, or view your account transcript without calling or visiting an office.

Online and mail options that do not require calling

You do not have to call or visit an office for every IRS matter. Many tasks can be done online through IRS.gov or by mail.

On the IRS website, you can check the status of your refund, make a tax payment, set up a payment plan, view your tax transcript, or respond to certain notices. If you received a notice from the IRS, the notice itself usually contains instructions for responding by mail or online.

If you prefer to write, you can mail correspondence to the IRS address listed on any notice you received, or contact the IRS by mail through the address on IRS.gov. Mail takes longer — typically four to six weeks for a response — but it creates a paper record of your communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IRS open on Saturday or Sunday?

No. The IRS is closed on weekends. Phone lines and offices are not staffed on Saturday or Sunday. If you need to reach the IRS, you will have to call or visit during the week, Monday through Friday.

What time should I call the IRS to avoid a long wait?

Call in the afternoon (after 2 p.m.) or late in the week (Thursday or Friday). Early morning and early in the week tend to have longer waits. Outside tax season (May through December), wait times are generally shorter than during January through April.

Can I walk in to an IRS office without an appointment?

No. The IRS requires an appointment for all in-person visits. You can schedule one by calling 1-800-829-1040 or through the IRS website. Walk-ins are not accepted.

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

If the IRS is closed (weekend or holiday), you can prepare your documents and information so you are ready to call or visit the next business day. You can also use the IRS website to handle many matters online, such as checking your refund status or making a payment.

How long does it take to get a response if I mail something to the IRS?

Mail responses typically take four to six weeks. If your matter is urgent, calling or visiting in person is faster. For time-sensitive issues like an upcoming deadline, call 1-800-829-1040 instead of mailing.