Is the IRS closed on Presidents Day 2026? What taxpayers need to know

Taxpayers may face longer wait times for phone assistance after the holiday.

Published on: Feb 14, 2026 7:56 AM IST

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Taxpayers planning to work on their returns over the long holiday weekend may need to adjust their plans. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be closed on Presidents Day, which falls on Monday, Feb 16, 2026.

Once reopened, IRS helplines are generally available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm local time. (Getty Images via AFP)

Presidents Day is one of 11 federal holidays observed each year. The holiday honors George Washington, whose birthday is Feb 22 but is officially observed on the third Monday in February.

IRS offices and phone lines closed

Because the IRS is a federal agency, its offices will not be open on the holiday. According to TODAY citing a spokesperson, both IRS offices and phone lines will be closed on Monday, Feb 16, per local time.

The agency will resume normal operations on Tuesday, Feb 17. This means taxpayers will not be able to speak with a live representative or visit a local IRS office till then.

Also Read: IRS ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool: How it works and when you can check your refund status

Expect higher call volumes after the holiday

The period following Presidents Day is typically one of the busiest times during tax season. According to the TODAY report, callers in the two weeks after the holiday may face hold times of 15 minutes or longer before reaching a tax assistant.

Once reopened, IRS helplines are generally available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm local time. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time, while helplines in Puerto Rico operate from 8 am to 8 pm local time.

Also Read: Waiting on your tax refund? Here’s why the IRS may be delayed this season

How to get help while the IRS is closed

Although offices and call centers will be shut on Feb 16, as well as on weekends, taxpayers can still access resources online. The IRS website provides self-service tools, filing guidance and answers to common tax questions.

For phone assistance after the holiday, individual taxpayers can call 800-829-1040, while businesses can reach the IRS at 800-829-4933.

According to TODAY, before calling, taxpayers should have their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer ID number, filing status, last year’s return and any IRS correspondence ready to help streamline the process.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Prakriti Deb
Prakriti Deb is a journalist at Hindustan Times Digital, where she is part of the US Desk. She works on stories related to American politics, crime, sports, entertainment and weather. She particularly enjoys covering political developments that have global ripples. Through her work, she aims to break down complex events in a way that feels simple and understandable. Before joining the Hindustan Times, she worked with The Indian Express Digital, where she covered world affairs. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Journalism, along with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Outside the newsroom, Prakriti enjoys travelling and stepping out of her comfort zone. She finds her sense of being through storytelling in all its forms, including conversations, painting, theatre, dance and photography. She appreciates discussions that challenge her perspective and help her see the world a little differently.Read More

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