How to Schedule an Appointment With the IRS

You can schedule an IRS appointment by phone, online, or in person at a local office

The IRS offers three main ways to book an appointment: calling their dedicated line, using their online scheduling tool, or walking into a local IRS office during business hours. Phone scheduling is the most common route and works for most situations. The online tool is faster if you know what you need and have a specific date in mind. Walk-in appointments exist but often mean a longer wait, so calling ahead is better if you have time to plan.

Which method works best depends on what you need help with and how soon you need it. Some issues — like questions about a specific notice or help with a tax return — can be handled by phone. Others, like signing documents or dealing with a complex audit, usually require an in-person visit. The IRS website tells you which issues require which type of appointment before you book.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-800-829-1040 to schedule a phone or in-person appointment; this is the main number for all appointment requests.
• Use IRS.gov/appointments to book online if you prefer to choose your own date and time without calling.
• In-person appointments at a local IRS office usually take longer to schedule than phone appointments but let you handle complex issues face-to-face.
• Have your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and a description of why you need the appointment ready before you call or book online.
• Phone appointments are typically available within one to two weeks; in-person appointments may take longer depending on your location and the time of year.

Calling the IRS to schedule by phone

Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (usually Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number ready, along with the tax year you need help with and a brief description of what you need. The representative will ask whether you want a phone appointment or an in-person appointment, then offer you available times.

Wait times on this line can be long, especially during tax season (January through April) and in the weeks after major tax deadlines. If you reach a busy signal or long hold time, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The IRS also publishes a phone wait-time tracker on IRS.gov so you can see current wait times before you call.

When you book by phone, confirm the date, time, and whether the appointment is by phone or in person. Ask whether you need to bring documents and what those documents are. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write it down. If you need to reschedule, you can call back and reference that number.

Booking online through IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov/appointments and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and the reason for your appointment. The system will show you available dates and times at IRS offices in your area or for phone appointments, depending on what you selected.

The online tool is often faster than calling, especially if you know exactly what you need and are flexible about timing. You can see all available slots at once and pick the one that works best for you. After you book, the system sends you a confirmation email with your appointment details, date, time, and any documents you should bring.

If you do not have internet access or are not comfortable using the online system, calling 1-800-829-1040 is just as valid. The IRS does not charge more or less for either method.

Walking in to a local IRS office without an appointment

You can walk into most IRS offices during business hours without scheduling ahead. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check IRS.gov/localoffices to find the nearest office and confirm its hours before you go.

Walk-in appointments are first-come, first-served. You will likely wait longer than if you had scheduled ahead, sometimes one to three hours depending on how busy the office is. Bring your Social Security number, photo ID, and any documents related to your issue. If the office is too busy when you arrive, staff may ask you to come back another day or offer you a scheduled appointment instead.

Walk-in visits work best for simple questions or if you need help right away and cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. For complex issues or if you have limited time, scheduling ahead by phone or online is usually better.

What to bring to your IRS appointment

Bring a photo ID and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to any appointment. Beyond that, what you need depends on why you are meeting with the IRS. If you are there about a specific notice, bring that notice. If you are there about a tax return, bring a copy of the return and any supporting documents — receipts, W-2s, 1099s, or records of deductions.

If you are there about a payment plan or back taxes, bring proof of income and a list of what you owe. If you are there about an audit, bring all documents the IRS asked you to bring in the audit notice. When you book your appointment, ask the representative or check your confirmation email for a specific list of what to bring — this saves time and means you will not have to reschedule.

Do not bring original documents unless the IRS specifically asks for them. Bring copies instead. If you have a lot of documents, organize them by year and by category (income, deductions, payments) so the appointment moves faster.

What happens if you miss or need to reschedule

If you miss an appointment, call 1-800-829-1040 as soon as you can to reschedule. Depending on why you missed it, the IRS may or may not penalize you. If you had an appointment about a notice or audit, missing it without rescheduling can result in the IRS taking action on the matter without your input — for example, disallowing deductions or moving forward with collection.

To reschedule, call the same number you used to book, or go back to IRS.gov/appointments if you booked online. Have your confirmation number ready. Most rescheduling requests are handled the same day, though you may not get an appointment for several days depending on availability.

If you know you cannot make an appointment, reschedule before the date rather than missing it. This keeps the IRS from taking action based on your absence and shows good faith if the issue is a dispute or audit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an IRS appointment?

Phone appointments are usually available within one to two weeks. In-person appointments at a local office can take two to four weeks or longer during tax season. Walk-in appointments have no wait to book but may mean a long wait once you arrive at the office.

Can I bring someone with me to my IRS appointment?

Yes. You can bring a tax professional, attorney, or family member. If you bring a tax professional or attorney, bring a power of attorney form (Form 2848) so they can represent you. The IRS will not discuss your case with someone who does not have written authorization.

What if I cannot get through on the phone line?

Use IRS.gov/appointments to book online instead. You can also try calling at different times — early morning or late afternoon often have shorter wait times. If you need help urgently, visit a local IRS office in person, though expect to wait.

Do I have to pay for an IRS appointment?

No. IRS appointments are free. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees to help you schedule — you can always schedule directly with the IRS at no cost.

What if my appointment is about an audit or collection notice?

Treat it the same way: call 1-800-829-1040 or book online. Bring all documents the IRS asked for in the notice. If you owe money or disagree with the audit, you may want to bring a tax professional or attorney. The IRS will explain your rights and options at the appointment.