How to Schedule an Appointment on IRS.gov

What you can schedule on IRS.gov and what you cannot

The IRS website lets you book an in-person appointment at a local IRS office for certain tax matters, but not all of them. You can schedule a visit to discuss your tax return, get help with a notice the IRS sent you, or work through payment issues. You cannot use the online scheduler for criminal investigations, identity theft cases, or matters that require a criminal attorney.

The appointment system on IRS.gov is designed for routine tax questions and document review. If your case involves a dispute over what you owe, an audit that has already started, or a collection action, you may still be able to book through the system, but the IRS may route you to a different process depending on what stage your case is in.

Before you try to schedule, know that the IRS also handles many issues by phone or mail. An in-person visit is useful when you need to show original documents, discuss a complex situation face-to-face, or when the IRS has already asked you to come in.

Key Takeaways

• You schedule IRS appointments through IRS.gov by entering your Social Security number, the type of issue you need help with, and your preferred date and location.
• The IRS office nearest you may not have openings for weeks or months, and some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days.
• You will receive a confirmation number and a letter in the mail with your appointment date, time, and what documents to bring.
• If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it on IRS.gov at least 24 hours before so someone else can use that slot.
• Bring a photo ID, your Social Security card or ITIN letter, and any documents related to the issue you are discussing — the confirmation letter will list specifics.

Steps to schedule an appointment on IRS.gov

Start by going to IRS.gov and looking for the appointment scheduler link, usually found under "Contact Us" or in a section labeled "Make an Appointment." You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a phone number where the IRS can reach you.

Select the type of issue you need help with from the dropdown menu. Common options include "General Tax Questions," "Tax Return Issues," "Notice or Letter," and "Payment or Account Issues." Be as specific as you can, because the IRS uses this to route you to the right person.

Choose your preferred IRS office location. If you live in a rural area or a small town, you may have only one or two offices nearby. Larger cities have multiple locations. The system will show you available dates and times at each location.

Pick a date and time that works for you. Availability varies widely — some offices have openings within a week or two, while others may show no openings for several months. If nothing is available at your preferred location, check offices in nearby towns or cities.

Confirm your appointment details and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The IRS will also mail you a confirmation letter within a few days that includes your appointment date, time, office address, parking information, and a list of documents to bring.

What to bring to your IRS appointment

Always bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need your Social Security card or the letter the IRS sent you when you received your ITIN. If you do not have your card, bring any official document that shows your number.

Bring the original documents related to your issue. If you are discussing a tax return, bring receipts, W-2s, 1099s, and any other income or deduction records. If the IRS sent you a notice, bring that notice and any response you have already sent. If you are there about a payment plan or back taxes, bring bank statements or proof of income.

The confirmation letter you receive in the mail will list specific documents for your situation. Read it carefully before you go, because showing up without the right paperwork can mean your appointment gets rescheduled.

Bring copies of anything you want to leave with the IRS. The IRS will not return documents you hand over, so keep the originals and give them copies if they ask for them.

How long appointments take and what to expect

Most IRS appointments last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how complex your issue is. Simple questions may wrap up in 20 minutes. If you are discussing a multi-year tax problem or a notice that involves several issues, plan for the full hour.

You will meet with an IRS employee in a private or semi-private area of the office. They will review your documents, ask questions about your situation, and explain what the IRS found or what you need to do next. If they need more information, they will tell you what to send and how to send it.

The IRS employee cannot make a final decision on many issues during the appointment — they may need to research your account, consult with a supervisor, or wait for documents you are sending. They will tell you when you can expect to hear back and how they will contact you.

If you brought someone with you — a tax professional, family member, or representative — they can sit in on the appointment. If you have a power of attorney on file with the IRS, that person may be able to attend without you, depending on the issue.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to cancel, go back to IRS.gov, find your appointment using your confirmation number, and cancel it. You can also call the IRS office directly. Cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment time so the slot opens up for someone else.

If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the IRS may mark you as a no-show. Multiple no-shows can affect your ability to schedule future appointments, though the IRS does not publish a specific rule about how many no-shows trigger a restriction.

To reschedule, cancel your current appointment and then schedule a new one through the same system. You do not need to call or visit the office in person to reschedule.

What to do if you cannot find an appointment slot

If the scheduler shows no openings at any office near you, check back in a few days. The IRS releases appointment slots in batches, and new openings appear regularly as staff availability changes.

You can also call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to ask about appointments. The phone line can sometimes see availability that is not showing on the website, or they can add you to a waitlist if an office is fully booked.

If you need help urgently and cannot get an in-person appointment, ask about phone or video appointments when you call. The IRS has expanded remote options for some issues, though not all offices or issue types support them yet.

Another option is to visit an IRS office without an appointment during walk-in hours, if your local office offers them. Not all offices do, and wait times can be long, but it is an option if you are in a time-sensitive situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk into an IRS office?

Some IRS offices accept walk-ins during certain hours, but most now require an appointment. Call your local IRS office or check IRS.gov to see whether walk-ins are accepted. Even if they are, you may wait several hours, so scheduling ahead is faster.

Can someone else schedule an appointment for me?

You can have a tax professional, attorney, or authorized representative schedule on your behalf if they have a power of attorney on file with the IRS. Otherwise, you will need to schedule yourself using your own Social Security number or ITIN.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you do not show up, the IRS marks it as a no-show. Multiple no-shows can affect your ability to schedule future appointments. If you missed it by accident, call the IRS office to reschedule as soon as you can.

Will the IRS appointment help me resolve my tax issue?

An appointment is a chance to discuss your issue and provide documents, but it does not always resolve everything in one visit. The IRS may need to research your account or request additional information after the appointment. They will tell you what happens next before you leave.

Can I bring a lawyer or tax professional to my appointment?

Yes. A lawyer, CPA, enrolled agent, or other tax professional can attend with you or represent you if they have a valid power of attorney on file with the IRS. Bring a copy of the power of attorney document to the appointment.