Understanding IRS Hours of Operation: A Guide for Taxpayers

Contacting the IRS to get help with tax questions or issues can be a frustrating experience if you don’t know the hours of operation. With confusing automated phone systems and long hold times, knowing the best times to call can make your experience much smoother As a taxpayer, you need to understand IRS hours and holiday closures to avoid unnecessary delays

The IRS has numerous toll-free phone numbers you can use to get help with different tax situations Here is a quick overview of the main IRS phone lines and hours

• 800-829-1040 for individual tax questions – Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm local time
• 800-829-4933 for business tax questions – Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm local time
• 800-829-1954 for tax help for individuals – Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm local time
• 800-908-9946 for tax help for businesses – Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm local time
• 800-829-4477 for recorded tax info – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• 800-829-3676 for tax forms – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• 800-829-1040 for refund status – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

So most live assistors are available on weekdays from 7am-7pm based on your local time zone. Certain automated services like checking refund status or ordering forms are available 24/7.

Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time zone hours of 8am-8pm local time. Puerto Rico phone lines are also open 8am-8pm local time.

Best Times to Call the IRS

While the IRS phone lines may be open daily from 7am-7pm, call volumes fluctuate significantly throughout the day and week. Here are some tips for the best times to call:

• Early morning, especially Tuesday-Thursday from 7-8:30am local time. Mondays tend to have high call volumes.

• Later afternoon, especially after 5pm local time when call volumes tend to lighten up.

• Avoid mid-day hours when call volumes spike from 11am-2pm local time. Hold times can be longer.

• Avoid Mondays and the days after federal holidays when call volumes surge.

• Have patience near tax deadlines in mid-March through April 15 when call volumes understandably rise. Hold times also lengthen.

IRS Office Hours and Holiday Closures

The IRS closes on all federal holidays for phone assistance and in-person services. Major closures to note are:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day and the day after
• Christmas Day

Closures frequently occur on the days preceding or following a holiday as well. Check the IRS website each year for an updated list of holiday closures.

Some IRS automated phone lines like the refund status and tax forms ordering lines remain available on holidays when live assistors are off. However, phone wait times can still increase surrounding federal holidays.

Specialized IRS Phone Service Hours

Beyond the main toll-free numbers, the IRS offers some specialized phone services with distinct hours:

• IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service – Provides help if you’re facing economic harm or immediate threat of adverse action. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm local time.

• IRS Practitioner Priority Service – Expedited help for tax professionals with a Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8am–8pm local time.

• IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers – In-person tax help by appointment. Hours are generally Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm local time but vary by location.

Key Takeaways

• Most IRS phone lines are open Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm local time. Select automated services are 24/7.

• Best times to call are early morning and late afternoon, Tuesday-Thursday. Avoid Mondays and mid-day.

• Peak tax season brings increased call volumes and hold times.

• The IRS closes on all federal holidays for phone and in-person services.

• Know the hours for specialized services like the Taxpayer Advocate.

• Check the IRS website annually for updated closures and hours.

Understanding IRS hours of operation and peak calling times enables taxpayers to efficiently obtain the help they need. By planning calls around lighter volume periods, you can optimize your experience contacting the IRS and avoid unnecessary frustration.