IRS WAIT TIMES
What should you expect to wait for the IRS?
The IRS publishes broad seasonal averages for its phone lines. Your actual wait will depend on the service, day, and time you call.
Information last verified August 31, 2026 against IRS.gov.IRS filing-season average~8 minJanuary through April
IRS post-filing average~15 minMay through December
What the official averages mean
The IRS currently says phone waits can average eight minutes during filing season and fifteen minutes from May through December. Some lines take longer, and Mondays, Tuesdays, Presidents Day weekend, and the filing deadline are identified as heavier periods.
These figures are broad guidance—not a guarantee for a particular number, issue, day, or hour.