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There are several ways to contact the IRS when needed.
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You might need to contact the IRS to inquire about your refund or request a tax transcript.
There are many ways you can contact the IRS, including online, via phone, and in person.
Though mail and fax contact is also possible, these services are limited and tend to be slower.
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There are many reasons you may need to contact the IRS. Fortunately, whether it’s to inquire about your tax refund status, to get a tax transcript, or to ask for an amended 1099 or W-2, it’s quite easy to contact the agency — and there are several ways to do it too.
How to contact the IRS
There are many ways you can reach the IRS. You can connect with the agency online, by phone, in-person, or even by fax or the US Mail. See below for details on each.
1. Reach out online or by phone
The IRS has online tools for many of the more common taxpayer requests. There are tools for setting up a tax payment plan, requesting your tax transcript, making a payment, checking on your refund, and viewing your individual tax account.
If those tools don’t address your request, you can then reach out to the agency by phone. The main number for individuals is 1-800-829-1040. If you have questions about business taxes, you’ll call 1-800-829-4933.
For more specific requests, use the below numbers:
Contact reason
Number
Find free tax clinic
1-800-906-9887
Request the IRS mail paper tax forms
1-800-829-3676
Schedule appointment with local IRS office
1-844-545-5640
Report incorrect income on a substitute return
1-866-681-4271
Make payment via Electric Federal Tax Payment System
1-800-555-4477
Order tax transcript
1-800-908-9946
Check status of amended tax return
1-866-464-2050
Check status of a tax refund being held
1-866-897-3315
Check status of tax refund
1-800-829-1954
Stimulus check not received or is wrong amount
1-800-919-9835
Quick tip: Before reaching out by phone, make sure you have your Social Security or other taxpayer identification number, birth date, filing status, last tax return, and any IRS correspondence on hand. You may need these during your call.
2. Reach out by mail
It’s also possible to reach the IRS by mail, though the IRS typically prefers alternative methods. Additionally, correspondence by mail may take significantly longer than online, phone, and in-person options. According to the IRS itself, tax returns filed by mail could take at least several weeks more to process due to staffing limitations.
If you still prefer mail correspondence, the below info may help:
Contact reason
Resource
To file your return
To change your address
See state-specific addresses at the bottom of this form
To pay your taxes via check or money order
To request an installment agreement
See state-specific addresses at the bottom of this form
3. Reach out by fax
Fax is another option you may use to contact the IRS in certain cases. You can use it when requesting a tax transcript, for example. The fax number for this request varies based on your location. Find the appropriate number for your transcript request at the bottom of this form. You can also apply for a taxpayer advocate or request an extension via fax.
Fax services are limited, though. Check the bottom of the form you’re filing to see if there’s a fax number included. If not — or if you have a question or concern — you’ll need to contact the IRS directly via phone or in-person.
4. Visit in person
The IRS has more than 300 Taxpayer Assistance Offices stationed throughout the country. These offices are open by appointment only and offer face-to-face help for taxpayers in their area. You can use this tool to find the closest one near you.
Once you find a location, call the office and schedule an appointment. These offices are closed on federal holidays, and though hours vary by location, most are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Quick tip: Bring your ID, Social Security number or taxpayer identification number, and any other documentation or IRS correspondence related to your request to the appointment. The IRS also requests that guests wear a face mask in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates or if they are unvaccinated.
The bottom line
There are many ways to contact the IRS, and the right one depends on the exact request or question you have, as well as your comfort level with technology.
If you’re ever unsure about how to proceed with a tax concern, reach out to your local Taxpayer Assistance Center or speak to a tax professional. They can point you in the right direction. If your situation is complicated and you don’t want to contact the IRS directly, you may also give authorization to a tax professional to contact the IRS on your behalf by completing Form 8821 or via a power of attorney, Form 2848