The IRS is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time, but phone lines close earlier during tax season and the office may be closed on federal holidays.

The Internal Revenue Service operates on a standard business schedule, but hours shift depending on the time of year and which service you need. During the January-to-April tax filing season, phone wait times lengthen and some offices reduce their hours. If you need to reach the IRS by phone, calling early in the week — Monday or Tuesday — usually means shorter waits than calling Wednesday through Friday.

The IRS does not operate a walk-in office system for most taxpayers. You cannot show up at a local office and speak to someone without an appointment. If you need in-person help, you must request it through their website or by phone first.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS phone line operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time, but closes at 5 p.m. during tax season in many regions.
  • You cannot walk into an IRS office without scheduling an appointment in advance through their website or phone line.
  • The IRS is closed on all federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • The fastest way to reach the IRS is through their website at irs.gov, where you can check your refund status, view payment options, and find local office locations.

Phone Lines and Wait Times

The main IRS phone number is 1-800-829-1040 for individual tax questions. This line is staffed Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. During tax season — roughly January through mid-April — the IRS answers fewer calls per day because staff are handling a higher volume. Expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours during this period, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

The IRS also operates a business line at 1-800-829-4933 for self-employed people and business owners. This line has the same hours as the individual line but may have shorter waits because fewer people call it. If you are calling about a specific notice or letter, have that document in front of you — the IRS representative will ask for the notice number and the tax year it covers.

Outside of business hours, you can leave a message on the IRS voicemail system, but the IRS does not return calls the same day. Messages left after 7 p.m. are typically returned within one to two business days, though during tax season this can stretch to a week.

In-Person Appointments at Local Offices

The IRS operates Taxpayer information Centers in most major cities. These offices are closed to walk-ins. To schedule an appointment, go to irs.gov and select "Make an Appointment" or call 1-844-545-5640. You will need to explain what you need help with — the IRS uses this information to assign you to the right type of appointment and estimate how long you will need.

Appointments typically take place within one to three weeks of when you request them, depending on your location and how busy the office is. During tax season, some offices book out four to six weeks in advance. If you cannot wait that long, the IRS recommends using their online tools or calling the main line instead.

When you arrive for an in-person appointment, bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, photo ID, and any documents related to your tax question — such as a notice from the IRS, your tax return, or pay stubs if you are disputing income.

Federal Holidays When the IRS Is Closed

The IRS observes all federal holidays and closes its offices and phone lines on those days. The full list 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 Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).

If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the IRS observes it on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, the IRS observes it on Monday. This means some years the IRS is closed on a different date than the actual holiday. Check irs.gov for the current year's holiday schedule if you are unsure.

Online Services That Work 24/7

The IRS website at irs.gov offers several services that do not require you to call or visit an office. You can check the status of your refund using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which updates once per day and shows whether your return has been received, is being processed, or has been approved. You can also view your tax account transcript, which shows what the IRS has on file for you, including income reported by employers and payments you have made.

The IRS also lets you set up a payment plan online if you owe taxes. You can choose to pay in full, pay by a certain date, or set up a monthly installment agreement. The website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. There is a fee for using a payment processor, but no fee if you pay directly from your bank account.

If you need to dispute a notice or ask a tax question, you can use the IRS's online chat tool during business hours. This is often faster than calling because you do not wait in a phone queue — you are connected to a representative within a few minutes.

Tax Season Hours and Closures

From January through mid-April, the IRS operates under expanded hours in some locations but reduced hours in others. Some Taxpayer information Centers stay open until 5:30 p.m. instead of 5 p.m., while others cut their hours to focus on processing returns. The IRS phone line remains open until 7 p.m., but the number of representatives answering calls drops, which is why waits are longer.

If you file your return late — after April 15 — the IRS continues to process returns through the summer and fall. Phone lines remain open during regular hours, but in-person appointments may be harder to get because offices are handling a backlog of returns. The IRS recommends using online tools or calling early in the week if you need to reach them during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IRS open on weekends?

No. The IRS is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Phone lines and offices are not staffed on weekends. If you need to reach the IRS on a weekend, use the online tools at irs.gov to check your refund status or set up a payment plan.

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

Call early in the week — Monday or Tuesday — and call early in the day, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. your local time. Avoid calling on Thursdays and Fridays, when wait times are longest. During tax season, expect waits of at least 30 minutes no matter when you call.

Can I email the IRS with a tax question?

The IRS does not accept general tax questions by email. However, if you have received a notice from the IRS and disagree with it, you can respond by mail or use the online dispute process. For general questions, use the phone line, online chat, or visit a Taxpayer information Center by appointment.

What happens if I call the IRS after 7 p.m.?

You will reach an automated system that allows you to leave a message. The IRS will return your call within one to two business days, though during tax season this can take longer. For faster help, call back during business hours or use the online tools at irs.gov.

Does the IRS have extended hours during tax season?

The main phone line stays open until 7 p.m. during tax season, the same as the rest of the year. Some Taxpayer information Centers extend their hours to 5:30 p.m., but this varies by location. Check irs.gov or call 1-844-545-5640 to see the hours for your nearest office.