How to Find and Use Your IRS Appointment Number

What an IRS appointment number is and where to find it

An IRS appointment number is a reference code the Internal Revenue Service assigns when you schedule an in-person meeting at a local IRS office. It is not the same as a phone number or a case number — it is a confirmation that your appointment exists on the IRS calendar. You receive it when you complete the scheduling process, either through the IRS website or by phone.

The IRS sends your appointment number in a confirmation email or letter, depending on how you booked. If you scheduled online through IRS.gov, check your email inbox (including spam folders) for a message from the IRS with the subject line containing "appointment confirmation." If you called the IRS to book, the representative will read the number aloud and may mail a written confirmation to your address on file.

Your appointment number typically appears as a string of numbers and sometimes letters. Write it down or save the email — you will need it when you arrive at the IRS office on the day of your appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Your IRS appointment number is a confirmation code sent by email or mail after you schedule an in-person visit at an IRS office.
• You can schedule an appointment online at IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040, and the appointment number arrives in your confirmation message.
• Bring your appointment number, a valid photo ID, and any documents related to your tax issue when you arrive at the IRS office.
• If you lose your appointment number, you can call the IRS or log back into your online account to retrieve it.

How to schedule an IRS appointment and get your number

The IRS offers two main ways to book an appointment. The first is online through IRS.gov. Go to the IRS website, select "Appointments" from the main menu, and follow the prompts to choose your location, date, and time. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and other identifying information. Once you complete the booking, the system generates your appointment number immediately and displays it on the screen — take a screenshot or write it down before you leave the page.

The second way is by phone. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (usually Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). A representative will ask you questions about your tax issue, verify your identity, and find available appointment slots at the IRS office nearest you. They will then assign your appointment number and read it aloud. Ask them to repeat it and spell it if needed. The IRS will also mail a written confirmation to your address.

Both methods require you to have basic information ready: your Social Security number or ITIN, the tax year in question, and a brief description of why you need to meet with the IRS. If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you may need a power of attorney document.

What to bring to your IRS appointment

Bring your appointment number along with a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The IRS will check your ID against the name and Social Security number on your appointment to confirm you are the person scheduled.

Bring all documents related to the reason for your appointment. If you are there about a tax return you filed, bring a copy of that return. If the IRS sent you a notice about an audit or a balance owed, bring that notice. If you are there to discuss a payment plan or an issue with a refund, bring any correspondence from the IRS about that matter. Bring original documents or certified copies — the IRS cannot accept photocopies for most purposes.

If you are bringing someone with you (a spouse, accountant, or tax professional), they will also need a photo ID. If a tax professional is representing you, bring a signed power of attorney form (IRS Form 2848) so the IRS knows they are authorized to speak on your behalf.

If you lose your appointment number or need to reschedule

If you cannot find your appointment number, you have two options. First, check your email again — search for messages from the IRS or from noreply@irs.gov, and look in your spam or promotions folder. If you scheduled online, you can also log back into your IRS.gov account and view your upcoming appointments; the number will be listed there.

If you still cannot locate it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. A representative can look up your appointment using your Social Security number and the date of your scheduled visit. They will provide the number over the phone and can also mail a new confirmation letter if you request one.

To reschedule or cancel your appointment, use the same methods: online through IRS.gov or by phone. If you cancel, your appointment number becomes invalid. If you reschedule, the IRS will assign you a new appointment number for the new date and time.

What happens when you arrive at the IRS office

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Go to the reception area and tell the staff member that you have an appointment. Have your appointment number and photo ID ready. The receptionist will verify your information against the appointment schedule and may ask you to sign in.

You will then wait in the lobby until an IRS representative calls your name or appointment number. The wait time varies depending on how busy the office is that day — it can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Bring something to read or work on while you wait.

When you are called, you will be taken to a private office or cubicle to meet with an IRS employee. They will review your documents, discuss your tax issue, and explain next steps. The meeting typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour. At the end, ask for a summary of what was discussed and what you need to do next.

Why the IRS asks for an appointment number

The appointment number serves as proof that you have a scheduled visit. It prevents people from showing up without a reservation and expecting immediate service. The IRS office uses the number to track which appointments are confirmed, which have been cancelled, and which people have already been seen.

The number also helps the IRS manage wait times and staffing. When you provide your appointment number at check-in, the staff can pull up your file and see what your appointment is about, so the right representative is available to help you. Without the number, the IRS would have no way to know you were coming or what you needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to an IRS office without an appointment number?

No. The IRS requires an appointment to meet with a representative in person. Walk-ins are not accepted. If you do not have an appointment, you will be turned away. You must schedule one online or by phone before you visit.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the IRS as soon as possible to reschedule. Call 1-800-829-1040 or go online to IRS.gov. If you miss an appointment without cancelling, the IRS may close your case or take other action depending on why you were meeting. It is better to reschedule than to miss it.

Is my appointment number the same as my case number?

No. Your appointment number is only for scheduling and checking in at the office. A case number, if the IRS has assigned one, relates to a specific tax issue or audit and is different. The IRS may give you a case number during or after your appointment.

How long does an IRS appointment usually take?

Most appointments last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your tax issue. Simple questions may be resolved in 20 minutes. More involved matters like audits or payment plan negotiations can take longer. Plan to be at the office for at least 90 minutes to account for check-in and waiting time.

Can I bring someone with me to my IRS appointment?

Yes. You can bring a spouse, family member, accountant, or tax attorney. They will need a photo ID. If a tax professional is representing you, bring a signed IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) so they can speak on your behalf.