How to Schedule an Appointment With the IRS

The fastest way to book an IRS appointment

You can schedule an IRS appointment by phone, online, or in person at a local IRS office. The phone number is 1-833-IRS-APPT (1-833-477-2778), and it works for most appointment types. The online system is called IRS.gov/appointments, and it lets you see available times without waiting on hold. If you prefer to walk in, you can visit your nearest IRS office, though wait times are often longer than scheduled appointments.

The method you choose depends on what you need. If you have a tax question that requires a face-to-face meeting, the IRS will direct you to the right office. If you need to drop off documents or pick up a transcript, you may not need an appointment at all — many offices accept walk-ins for those tasks. The IRS website tells you which services require advance scheduling and which do not.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-833-IRS-APPT or visit IRS.gov/appointments to schedule; both methods show you available times without guessing.
• Have your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and a brief description of why you need to meet ready before you call or book online.
• Appointments typically happen within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and how busy the office is.
• If you cannot make your appointment, cancel at least 24 hours ahead through the same method you used to book, or the IRS may charge a no-show fee.
• Some services like transcript requests and document drop-offs do not require an appointment and can be handled by mail or phone instead.

What to have ready before you call or book online

Gather these items before you pick up the phone or log into the IRS website. You will need your Social Security number, the tax year or years your question concerns, and a brief description of what you need — for example, "I need to discuss my 2023 return" or "I have a notice about my account." If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you will need their Social Security number and written permission (called a power of attorney).

Have your phone number and email address ready. The IRS will send you a confirmation with the date, time, and office location. If you are scheduling online, you can print or save the confirmation right away. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to reschedule or cancel.

Scheduling by phone

Call 1-833-IRS-APPT (1-833-477-2778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern time. The wait time varies — it can be a few minutes or more than an hour, depending on how many people are calling. If you reach an agent, they will ask what you need, confirm your identity, and show you available appointment slots in your area.

Tell the agent which days and times work best for you. The IRS will offer times within the next two to four weeks, though some offices have longer waits during tax season (January through April). Once you choose a time, the agent will give you a confirmation number and send a confirmation email. Save both.

Scheduling online at IRS.gov/appointments

Go to IRS.gov/appointments and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will enter your Social Security number, the reason for your visit, and your preferred location. The system will show you available dates and times at that office. You can see the calendar without waiting on hold, which is why many people prefer this method.

After you choose a time slot, the system will ask for your contact information and confirm your appointment. You will receive an email confirmation with the office address, date, time, and what to bring. If the office you want is fully booked, the system will suggest nearby locations with earlier availability. You can also check back later — cancellations open up slots throughout the day.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If your appointment is about a specific tax return, bring that return and any notices the IRS sent you. If you are there to discuss a payment plan, bring recent pay stubs and bank statements showing your income and expenses.

If someone else is representing you, bring a signed Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative). The IRS office can provide this form if you do not have one, but it is faster to bring it completed. Bring any documents the confirmation email mentioned — the IRS will list what is needed for your specific reason.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment, cancel it at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. You can cancel and reschedule through the same method you used to book: call 1-833-IRS-APPT or go back to IRS.gov/appointments and select "Manage Your Appointment." When you call, have your confirmation number ready.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, the IRS may charge a no-show fee. If you have a genuine emergency and cannot cancel in time, call the office directly as soon as possible — the number will be on your confirmation email. Explain what happened and ask if you can reschedule without a penalty.

When you do not need an appointment

Some IRS services do not require scheduling. You can request a transcript by mail or phone without an appointment — call 1-800-908-9946 or order online at IRS.gov/transcripts. You can mail documents to the IRS office that handles your case (the address is on any notice they sent you). You can also drop off documents at many IRS offices during walk-in hours, though you may wait in line.

If you have a simple question about a notice or your account, you can call the IRS at the number on the notice itself rather than scheduling an office visit. The phone line can often resolve the issue without you coming in. Check your notice or the IRS website to see if your situation qualifies for phone support instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an IRS appointment?

Most appointments are available within two to four weeks. During tax season (January through April), some offices have waits of six weeks or longer. If you need to meet sooner, ask the agent or the online system if any nearby offices have earlier slots.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or tax professional. If you want someone to represent you legally (to sign documents or make decisions on your behalf), they need a signed Form 2848. A companion who is just there for support does not need any paperwork.

What if I cannot reach the IRS by phone?

Try the online booking system at IRS.gov/appointments instead — it does not require waiting on hold. You can also visit your local IRS office in person and ask to schedule an appointment at the front desk. Walk-in scheduling is usually faster during off-peak hours (mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays).

Will the IRS charge me for an appointment?

No. Scheduling and attending an IRS appointment is free. The only fee is if you miss an appointment without canceling 24 hours ahead. If you hire a tax professional to represent you, that is a separate cost between you and them.

Can I do a video or phone appointment instead of going in person?

The IRS does not routinely offer video or phone appointments for most services. However, if you have a simple question, you can call the IRS without scheduling an office visit. Ask the agent when you call whether your issue can be resolved by phone instead of in person.