If you're a US citizen living abroad, an expat, or a foreign national with US tax obligations, you may need to call the IRS. The challenge: expensive international rates combined with long hold times.
Why is calling the IRS from abroad so expensive?
Three factors combine to make IRS calls costly from overseas:
Carrier international rates
Without a plan that covers calls to the US, your carrier charges its standard per-minute international rate. Carriers list these on their international calling pages.
The "toll-free trap"
US toll-free numbers (1-800, 1-888, etc.) are only free within the US. International callers pay their carrier's international rates to reach these numbers—often the same as calling any US number. Some carriers even block toll-free calls from abroad.
IRS wait times
Average IRS hold times exceed 30 minutes. During tax season (January–April) or on Mondays/Tuesdays, waits can extend beyond an hour. Post-filing season, wait times can triple.
The math: every minute of a 30-minute hold is billed at your per-minute rate before you reach an agent. If the call drops, you start over.
What are the cheapest ways to call the IRS from abroad?
VoIP (Voice over IP) services let you call US numbers through the internet.
VoIP services
DialHard: Browser-based (no app needed). Rates from $0.06/minute to US numbers. Toll-free calls (1-800, 1-888, etc.) complete 98% of the time. DialHard bills calls to US toll-free numbers per minute, at the rate the dialer shows before you dial. The credit you buy doesn't expire. Your first top-up can be $5; after that, top-ups are $20 or $50.
Viber Out: App-based. Rates from ~$0.01/minute to US. Minimum ~$5. Credit expires after 180 days.
Google Voice: Free for US residents—calls to US numbers are free. Only available to US residents with a US phone number.
The toll-free advantage
Most IRS numbers are toll-free (1-800). DialHard bills calls to US toll-free numbers per minute, at the rate the dialer shows before you dial, so you know what a long hold costs before it starts.
What are the IRS phone numbers?
Use the +1 country code when dialing from abroad.
| Department | Number | Hours (Mon-Fri) | Cost with DialHard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals (Form 1040) | +1-800-829-1040 | 7am-7pm local time | Per minute, shown before you dial |
| International Taxpayers | +1-267-941-1000 | 6am-11pm ET | from $0.06/min |
| Businesses | +1-800-829-4933 | 7am-7pm local time | Per minute, shown before you dial |
| Refund Status | +1-800-829-1954 | 24/7 automated | Per minute, shown before you dial |
| Tax Transcripts | +1-800-908-9946 | 7am-7pm local time | Per minute, shown before you dial |
The international taxpayer line (+1-267-941-1000) has extended hours specifically for overseas callers.
When should I call the IRS?
Best times to minimize wait
- Best days: Wednesday through Friday
- Best time: Early morning, right when lines open (7am local time, or 6am ET for international line)
- Avoid: Mondays and Tuesdays (highest volume)
- Avoid: Tax season peak (January–April), Presidents Day weekend, and mid-April
- Avoid: Lunch hours (12pm-2pm ET)
Time zone conversions for international callers
The international taxpayer line (+1-267-941-1000) operates 6am-11pm ET—extended hours for overseas callers.
- UK/Ireland: 11am-4am GMT (6am ET = 11am GMT)
- Central Europe: 12pm-5am CET
- India: 4:30pm-9:30am IST
- Australia (Sydney): 10pm-1pm AEDT
What should I prepare before calling the IRS?
Have these ready before you dial:
Essential information
- SSN or ITIN — For you, spouse, and dependents
- Date of birth
- Filing status — Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.
- Tax year(s) in question
- Copy of your tax return for the relevant year
- Any IRS notice — Notice number and date
If calling on behalf of someone else
- Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) or Form 2848 (Power of Attorney)
- For deceased taxpayers: death certificate, Form 56, or court documents
- Tax professionals: PTIN and CAF number
Check online first
Many issues can be resolved at IRS.gov without calling:
- Where's My Refund? — Track refund status
- IRS Online Account — View notices, transcripts, payment history
- Interactive Tax Assistant — Answers to common questions
Summary
The problem: IRS wait times average 30+ minutes, and US toll-free numbers aren't free from abroad, so the whole hold is billed per minute.
The approach: Check the per-minute rate before you dial, and call at the quieter times below. DialHard's calls to US toll-free numbers complete 98% of the time, billed per minute at the rate the dialer shows before you dial.
Key numbers:
- Individuals (Form 1040): +1-800-829-1040 (toll-free)
- International Taxpayers: +1-267-941-1000 (extended hours)
- Businesses: +1-800-829-4933 (toll-free)
- Refund Status: +1-800-829-1954 (24/7 automated)
Before you call: Have your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and relevant tax year ready. Check IRS.gov first—many issues can be resolved online. Call early morning ET on Wednesday-Friday for shorter queues.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to call the IRS from abroad?
It depends on how you call. Through DialHard, US numbers start at $0.06/minute. Most IRS numbers are toll-free (1-800); DialHard bills those per minute too, at the rate the dialer shows before you dial. Through your carrier, its international rate applies, toll-free numbers included.
Are US toll-free numbers free to call internationally?
No. US toll-free numbers (1-800, 1-888, etc.) are only free within the US. International callers pay their carrier's international rates. DialHard bills calls to them per minute, at the rate the dialer shows before you dial, and its calls to them complete 98% of the time.
What's the best time to call the IRS from abroad?
Early morning ET when lines open. The international taxpayer line (+1-267-941-1000) operates 6am-11pm ET—extended hours for overseas callers. From the UK, 6am ET = 11am GMT. Avoid Mondays, Tuesdays, and tax season (January-April).
Which IRS number should international callers use?
The international taxpayer line: +1-267-941-1000. It has extended hours (6am-11pm ET) specifically for overseas callers. It's not toll-free, so it's billed per minute; DialHard's US rates start at $0.06/minute. For general tax questions, the main line +1-800-829-1040 is toll-free.
Does the IRS provide interpreter services?
Yes. The IRS offers assistance in over 350 languages through professional interpreters. When you reach an IRS agent, request an interpreter. For Spanish assistance, call +1-800-829-1040 directly. For other languages, call +1-833-553-9895.
Start calling today
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