How to Schedule an Appointment With the IRS

The fastest way to reach the IRS is by phone, not in person

You can schedule an in-person appointment at an IRS office, but the phone line is usually faster. Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). The IRS answers appointment requests by phone year-round. Wait times are longest during tax season (January through April) and shortest in summer and fall.

If you need to speak with someone about a specific tax issue — a notice you received, a payment plan, an amended return — the phone appointment is the same call. You do not need to schedule separately. Tell the representative what you need, and they will either help you that day or book you for a callback within a few days.

In-person appointments at an IRS office exist, but they are harder to get and take longer to schedule. Most people resolve their issue by phone before an office visit becomes necessary.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours to schedule a phone appointment or ask about in-person visits; no online scheduling system exists for most appointment types.
• Phone appointments are usually available within a few days, while in-person office appointments may require waiting several weeks.
• Bring your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and any notices or documents related to your issue when you call.
• If you cannot reach the IRS by phone, visit an IRS office in person during walk-in hours, though wait times can exceed two hours.

What to have ready before you call

When you call 1-800-829-1040, have these documents within reach: your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the tax year you are calling about, and any IRS notice or letter you received. If your issue involves a payment plan, a refund, or a return you filed, have that return or the notice in front of you.

The representative will ask why you are calling. Be specific: "I received a notice about unpaid taxes from 2022" is more useful than "I have a tax problem." The IRS system routes calls based on the issue type, so the more detail you give, the faster you reach someone who can actually help.

If you are calling about a business return or a complex issue, have your Employer Identification Number (EIN) ready as well. For payroll tax problems, have your most recent payroll records available.

In-person appointments at an IRS office

To schedule an in-person appointment, call 1-800-829-1040 and tell the representative you need to visit an office. They will check availability at the IRS office nearest you and offer dates. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but hours vary by location.

In-person appointments are usually scheduled two to four weeks out during normal periods, and longer during tax season. If you cannot wait that long, ask about walk-in hours. Many IRS offices hold walk-in hours on certain days, though you may wait one to three hours. Call ahead to confirm walk-in availability at your local office.

Bring the same documents you would have ready for a phone call, plus a photo ID. If someone else is handling your tax matter (a tax professional, a family member with power of attorney), they can attend in your place, but they must bring a signed Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization).

What happens during your appointment

During a phone appointment, the representative will review your issue, ask clarifying questions, and either resolve it on the call or explain next steps. If they need to research something, they may call you back within a few days. Some issues — like setting up a payment plan or requesting a transcript — can be completed in one call. Others, like an audit or a complex amended return, may require follow-up.

During an in-person appointment, you will meet with a tax professional in a private office. They will review your documents, explain what you owe or what you are owed, and discuss options. If you need a payment plan, they can set it up that day. If your case requires investigation, they will tell you what additional documents to send and when to expect a decision.

Both phone and in-person appointments are free. The IRS does not charge for scheduling or attending.

If you cannot reach the IRS by phone

The IRS phone lines are often busy, especially during tax season. If you cannot get through after multiple attempts, visit an IRS office in person during walk-in hours. Most offices offer walk-in service on certain days; call 1-800-829-1040 to find the walk-in schedule for your nearest office.

You can also find your local IRS office address on the IRS website (irs.gov) by searching "IRS office near me." Bring all relevant documents and your photo ID. Arrive early — walk-in lines often form before the office opens, and you may wait one to three hours.

If your issue is urgent and you cannot reach the IRS, contact a Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is a free IRS office that helps when normal channels are not working. Call 1-877-777-4778 to request help.

Preparing for common appointment topics

If you received a notice about taxes you owe, bring the notice, your return for that year, and any payment records showing what you have already paid. If the IRS says you owe more than you think you do, bring documentation of deductions or credits you claimed.

If you are setting up a payment plan, have information about your monthly income and expenses ready. The IRS will ask what you can afford to pay each month. If you are requesting a refund or a transcript, have the tax year and the type of transcript you need (account transcript, return transcript, or verification of non-filing).

If you are amending a return or disputing an audit, bring the original return, the amended return (if you have filed one), and all supporting documents — receipts, invoices, bank statements, whatever backs up your position. The more organized your documents, the faster the appointment will go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an IRS appointment online?

No. The IRS does not offer online appointment scheduling for most services. You must call 1-800-829-1040 to schedule. Some tax professionals can schedule on behalf of their clients through a separate system, but individual taxpayers must call.

How long does an IRS appointment usually take?

Phone appointments typically last 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your issue. In-person appointments usually take 30 minutes to an hour. If your case is complicated, the representative may schedule a follow-up call or appointment rather than trying to resolve everything in one session.

What if I miss my appointment?

Call 1-800-829-1040 as soon as possible to reschedule. If you miss an appointment without calling, the IRS may close your case or take action on the matter without your input. If you know you cannot make it, call to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance.

Do I need a tax professional to attend my appointment?

No. You can attend alone. However, if your situation is complex or you are uncomfortable discussing taxes, you can bring a tax professional, accountant, or attorney. They must bring Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) signed by you, or they will not be allowed to participate.

What if the IRS office is far from where I live?

Ask for a phone appointment instead. Most issues can be handled by phone. If an in-person appointment is truly necessary, the IRS may allow you to attend at a different office or conduct the appointment by video call. Mention distance when you call to schedule.