The IRS strongly recommends keeping your contact information, including your phone number, updated to ensure you receive important correspondence and prevent delays with your tax matters. While the IRS primarily communicates via mail, having an accurate phone number on file can be crucial for identity verification during phone calls or for certain online services that use multi-factor authentication.
Let's dive into how you can make sure the IRS has your most current phone number!
Why is an Accurate Phone Number with the IRS Important?
Even though the IRS primarily uses postal mail for official communications, your phone number plays a vital role in several scenarios:
- Identity Verification: When you call the IRS for assistance or to discuss your account, they will often ask for your phone number on file to help verify your identity. If it's outdated, it could lead to delays or inability to get the information you need.
- Online Account Access (ID.me/Login.gov): Many IRS online services, such as accessing your tax transcripts or making payments, require multi-factor authentication (MFA). This often involves sending a verification code to your registered phone number via text or voice call. If your number is wrong, you won't be able to log in.
- Faster Resolution: In some cases, if there's an issue with your tax return or a refund, an IRS representative might try to contact you by phone for clarification, which can expedite resolution.
Step 1: Determine Your Primary Method of Interaction with the IRS
Before you begin, it's helpful to consider how you generally interact with the IRS. Do you mostly handle things online, or do you prefer traditional methods like mail or phone calls? This will guide you to the most efficient way to update your phone number.
- Are you a digital-savvy taxpayer who uses online IRS services? If so, your phone number is likely linked to your ID.me or Login.gov account, which are used for secure access to IRS online portals.
- Do you primarily communicate with the IRS by filing tax returns or written correspondence? In this case, your phone number is likely on your most recently filed tax return.
- Are you a tax professional with a PTIN? There's a specific online portal for tax professionals to manage their information.
Step 2: Update Your Phone Number for Online IRS Services (ID.me/Login.gov)
If you use IRS online services that require secure login, such as checking your refund status, viewing your tax account, or accessing tax transcripts, your phone number is typically managed through the identity verification platforms they use: ID.me or Login.gov.
Sub-heading: If you use Login.gov:
Login.gov is a secure sign-in service used by several government agencies, including the IRS.
- Go to the Login.gov website: Open your web browser and navigate to
https://secure.login.gov. - Sign in to your account: Enter your email address and password.
- Complete your authentication: Use your chosen multi-factor authentication method (e.g., text message code, authenticator app).
- Navigate to "Add phone number": Once logged in, look for an option to manage your account or security settings. You should see a link or button labeled "Add phone number."
- Enter your new phone number: Carefully type in your updated phone number. Important: Avoid using web-based (VOIP) phone services or premium rate numbers, as these may not be compatible.
- Set as default (optional): If you want this to be your primary phone number for authentication, check the "Default phone number" box.
- Confirm changes: Click "Continue" and follow any additional prompts to confirm the update. You may receive a verification code to the new number.
Sub-heading: If you use ID.me:
ID.me is another identity verification service used by the IRS for secure online access.
- Go to the ID.me website: Open your web browser and go to
https://help.id.me/. - Find help for changing phone number: Look for a search bar or navigation to "I changed my phone number" or "Resetting your multi-factor authentication (MFA) method" under their help section.
- Follow the ID.me prompts: ID.me has a specific process for updating phone numbers, especially if it's linked to your multi-factor authentication. This may involve:
- Signing in with your existing credentials.
- If you can't access your old phone number, you might need to go through an account recovery process. This can involve verifying your identity through other means (e.g., uploading documents, taking a video selfie).
- Once you've verified your identity, you'll be able to add and set your new phone number.
<h2>Step 3: Update Your Phone Number with the IRS Directly (General Correspondence)</h2>
While updating through ID.me or Login.gov is crucial for online access, your general contact information (including phone number) is also associated with your tax records.
Sub-heading: Method 1: Update when filing your next tax return
The easiest and most common way for many individuals to update their phone number (and address) with the IRS is when they file their annual tax return.
- Enter your new phone number on your tax return: When you prepare your Form 1040 (or other relevant tax form), simply enter your current phone number in the designated section.
- File your return: Once your return is processed, the IRS will update their records with the new information.
- Consider E-filing: Electronic filing (e-file) can help ensure your information is updated more quickly than paper returns.
Sub-heading: Method 2: Call the IRS directly
You can notify the IRS of your new phone number by calling them. Be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially during tax season.
- Gather necessary information: Before you call, have the following ready to verify your identity:
- Your full name and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your old and new phone numbers.
- Your previous address and current address.
- Your prior-year tax return.
- The tax return you're calling about (if applicable).
- Any IRS correspondence you've recently received.
- Call the appropriate IRS phone number:
- Individuals: 1-800-829-1040 (7 AM to 7 PM local time, Monday through Friday)
- Businesses: 1-800-829-4933 (7 AM to 7 PM local time, Monday through Friday)
- International Callers: 267-941-1000 (Note: This is a toll number, long-distance charges may apply.)
- Explain your request: Inform the IRS representative that you need to update your phone number on file. They will guide you through the verification process and make the change.
- Be patient: IRS representatives handle a high volume of calls, so be prepared for a polite but thorough identity verification process.
Sub-heading: Method 3: Send a written statement by mail (less common for phone numbers)
While primarily used for address changes, you can technically send a written statement to update your contact information, including your phone number. This is generally not the most efficient method for just a phone number change, but it is an option.
- Draft a clear statement: Include the following information:
- Your full name.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your old phone number.
- Your new phone number.
- Your signature and the date.
- If you filed a joint return: Include both spouses' names, SSNs, and signatures.
- Mail your statement: Send the signed statement to the IRS address where you filed your last tax return. You can find these addresses in the instructions for your tax forms or on the IRS website.
- Allow ample processing time: Written requests can take 4 to 6 weeks to process.
<h2>Step 4: Special Considerations for Tax Professionals (PTIN Holders)</h2>
If you are a tax professional with a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), you have a dedicated online portal to manage your contact information.
- Log in to your PTIN account online: Go to the IRS website and access your online PTIN account.
- Navigate to "Manage PTIN account information": Once logged in, look for an option to manage your PTIN account.
- Update your personal phone number: You should be able to directly edit your personal phone number within the account settings.
- Save changes: Ensure you save any updates you make.
Important Tips to Remember:
- Be Patient: The IRS processes a massive amount of information. Whether you update online, by phone, or by mail, allow a reasonable amount of time for your changes to be reflected in their system.
- Keep Records: Always keep a record of when and how you updated your information with the IRS. This includes dates, confirmation numbers (if applicable), and any correspondence.
- Security First: The IRS will never initiate contact with you by email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information, including your phone number. Be wary of scams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if the IRS has my correct phone number?
You generally cannot directly "check" your phone number on file with the IRS without calling them. Your best bet is to ensure it's updated with your online account (ID.me/Login.gov) and on your most recently filed tax return.
How to update my phone number if I don't have an online IRS account?
If you don't have an online account, the primary methods are to include your new phone number on your next tax return or to call the IRS directly at their general inquiry lines (1-800-829-1040 for individuals, 1-800-829-4933 for businesses).
How to change my phone number for multi-factor authentication with IRS online services?
This is done through the ID.me or Login.gov platforms, depending on which one you used to set up your IRS online account. Follow the steps outlined in "Step 2" of this guide.
How to know which phone number the IRS will use for verification calls?
The IRS will use the phone number they have on record. This is why keeping it updated, especially through your ID.me or Login.gov account for online access, is crucial. When you call them, they will likely ask for the number associated with your account for identity verification.
How to update a business phone number with the IRS?
Businesses should call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Tax professionals with a PTIN can update their business phone number through their online PTIN account.
How to ensure my phone number update is processed quickly?
For online services, updating through ID.me or Login.gov is generally the quickest. For general IRS records, including your updated phone number on your e-filed tax return is efficient. Phone calls can also be immediate but may involve wait times.
How to update my phone number if I am an international taxpayer?
International taxpayers can call 267-941-1000 to update their information. Ensure you have all necessary identification details ready.
How to deal with issues accessing my ID.me/Login.gov account due to an old phone number?
Both ID.me and Login.gov have account recovery processes for situations where you no longer have access to your registered phone number. You will typically need to verify your identity through alternative means, such as providing documents or answering security questions. Visit their respective help sections.
How to update my phone number if I'm a tax professional (PTIN holder)?
Log in to your online PTIN account on the IRS website. You will find an option to "Manage PTIN account information" where you can update your personal phone number.
How to confirm the IRS has received my phone number update via mail?
The IRS typically does not send confirmation notices for phone number changes made via mail. The best way to confirm is to include the updated number on your next tax return and/or call the IRS after the processing time (4-6 weeks for mail) to verify.
