)
or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
We can help you online, by phone or in person.
Online tools and resources
You can get help online with self-service options.
- Where’s My Refund?
- Access your Online Account
- Refund less than expected
- Received a refund but wasn't expecting one
- Lost refund
- Refunds
Expecting a refund?
- The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days.
You can check the status of your refund:
- E-filed return: within 24 hours after we receive it
- Paper return: 4 weeks after you mailed it
You should only call about your:
- E-filed return: 3 weeks after you filed it
- Paper return: 6 weeks after you mailed it
- Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation: 12 weeks for e-filed and 14 weeks for paper return filing
- Refund: If the Where’s My Refund? tool directs you to contact us.
- Should you file an amended return
- Where’s My Amended Return?
- Amended return Frequently Asked Questions
To check the status of your amended return:
- Wait 3 weeks after filing then use the Where’s My Amended Return? tool.
You should only call if:
- It’s more than 16 weeks since you mailed your amended return or
- The Where’s My Amended Return? tool directs you to call us
Payments
- Payment options
- Payment plan or installment agreement
- View your balance and payment activity
- Help for struggling taxpayers
Liens and levies
Resolve a dispute
Prevent future tax bill
Penalties
- Understanding your IRS notice or letter
- EITC audit notice or letter toolkit
- IRS Document Upload Tool
- Verify your identity (5071C)
- Verify your identity (4883C)
- We changed your return (CP12)
- Imminent levy notification (CP504)
- Income reporting or payment error (CP2000)
- Balance due reminder (CP71A)
- Dependent’s Social Security number listed on another return (CP87A)
- Change your language preference for written communications from the IRS
Identity theft
- Identity Theft Central
- Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft
- Protect your data
- IRS notice 4883C or CP01
- Verify your identity
- Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
Scams
Fraud
Getting ready
Filing help
Filing
To avoid delays, file electronically and use direct deposit.
- IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free
- Find all other ways to file your taxes
- Tax information for members of the military
- Direct deposit your refund
- Get an extension to file your tax return
- File for a deceased taxpayer
- Filing past due tax returns
- Sign your e-filed return with your adjusted gross income (AGI)
Note: You can’t get your AGI over the phone. You can find your AGI in your online account or on last year’s tax return – request a copy.
Filing by mail
Common questions
Use our Interactive Tax Assistant to answer your tax-related questions, such as:
We value your feedback. Please share your comments about your recent experience with an IRS customer service representative to help us improve our service.
Help in your language
If you can't find the answers to your tax questions on IRS.gov, with the support of professional interpreters, we offer help in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, and Haitian Creole.
Request alternative media formats
Select request an alternative media format for the fastest way to request accessible version of a form or notice mailed to you. For more information about other accessible tax products such as forms and publications, please visit our Accessible IRS tax products page.
For Spanish, call 800-829-1040. For all other languages, call 833-553-9895.
You will reach an IRS assistor who can either:
- Provide an interpreter over the phone
- Schedule an appointment for you at one of our local Taxpayer Assistance Centers so you can get help in person. Please note, our local offices provide assistance only on specific topics.
Telephone and local assistance
If you mailed a tax return or letter and haven’t yet heard from us, don’t call or file a second return. Find expected wait times for current IRS operations and services.
Telephone assistors can help with many topics but see the list of topics our assistors can’t address.
Verify your identity when you call
Our representatives must verify your identity before discussing your personal information.
Have the following ready when you call:
Individuals
Social Security numbers (SSN) and birth dates
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you don’t have a Social Security number
Filing status – single, head of household, married filing jointly, married filing separately or qualifying surviving spouse
Prior-year tax return
Tax return you’re calling about
Any correspondence we sent to you
Third parties calling for someone else
Taxpayer’s name, SSN or ITIN
Tax return you're calling about
Verbal or written authorization (Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization or Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) to discuss the account
Preparer tax identification number or personal identification number
Third parties calling for a deceased taxpayer
Death certificate
Court approval letter or our IRS Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship (for estate executors)
IRS phone number - Call wait times
Filing season (January-April)
Wait times can average 8 minutes. Some phone lines may have longer wait times.
Wait times are longer on Mondays and Tuesdays, during Presidents Day weekend and around the April tax filing deadline.
Post-filing season (May-December)
Wait times can average 15 minutes. Some phone lines may have longer wait times.
Wait times are shorter Wednesday through Friday.
Our help lines are open Monday through Friday. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii should follow Pacific time. Phone lines in Puerto Rico are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
During periods of high call volume, you may receive the option to receive a return call once a customer service representative is available instead of waiting on hold. This option is available on most toll-free topics. A return call may be offered when wait times exceed 15 minutes and if a representative can be reached during regular IRS business hours.
Individuals
800-829-1040
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Businesses
800-829-4933
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Tax professionals
If you have a valid third-party authorization, contact the Practitioner Priority Service.
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time
Non-profit taxes
877-829-5500
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time
Estate and gift taxes (Form 706/709)
866-699-4083
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time
Excise taxes
866-699-4096
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time
Overseas callers
Use our International Services page.
Callers who are hearing impaired
TTY/TDD 800-829-4059
You can get in-person help at your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Locate a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you. Check what services are available at that location, then call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment.
IRS offices are closed on federal holidays.
You can file your return for free through:
- IRS Free File — helps qualified taxpayers file their taxes using commercial tax software for free
Certain taxpayers may qualify to get free tax return preparation and electronic filing help at a location near where they live. For more information, see Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly.
Get help from IRS-certified volunteers
Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers, if any of these situations apply to you:
- Earn $70,244 or less
- Have a disability
- Need language support
- Are 60 years or older