Monday, February 16, marks Presidents Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring George Washington, the first President of the United States. Although Washington’s birthday is on February 22, the holiday is celebrated on the third Monday in February each year.
For many, Presidents Day provides a long weekend off work, presenting an opportunity for shopping during significant sales or catching up on household tasks and errands. This year, with tax season in full swing, many individuals might be contemplating tax-related questions on this day and wondering if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be available for assistance.
As Presidents Day is a federal holiday, various institutions—including schools, banks, and the U.S. stock market—will be closed in observance. The IRS, being a government agency, will also be closed on this day, meaning that both IRS offices and call centers will not be operational. According to an IRS spokesperson, normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17.
After Presidents Day, the IRS typically experiences a surge in queries from taxpayers, and the helpline may see longer wait times, with callers advised to prepare for holds of 15 minutes or more.
For those seeking assistance on Presidents Day, the IRS website remains accessible, offering a range of resources that can answer many tax-related questions without the need for direct contact.
IRS helpline services are available on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii should refer to Pacific time, while those in Puerto Rico can access helplines from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
To reach the IRS for help, taxpayers can use the following numbers:
– For individual inquiries: 800-829-1040
– For business-related questions: 800-829-4933
When reaching out to the IRS, it’s important to have relevant documentation on hand, ensuring efficient and effective assistance during the call. This Presidents Day, while the IRS offices may be closed, taxpayers can still prepare themselves for the busy tax season ahead.