How to Schedule an Appointment at the IRS

The fastest way to get an IRS appointment

You can schedule an in-person appointment at an IRS office through their online system or by phone. The online method is usually faster — you can book same-day or next-day appointments in many locations, while phone lines often have long wait times. You will need to know what you want to discuss (tax return help, payment arrangements, identity theft, etc.) because the IRS sorts appointments by type.

If you cannot reach anyone by phone or the online system shows no openings, walk-in hours exist at some offices, though you may wait several hours. The IRS also offers remote appointments by video or phone for certain issues, which can be scheduled the same way as in-person visits.

Key Takeaways

• Book online at IRS.gov/appointments or call 844-545-5640 to schedule an in-person or remote appointment.
• Have your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and a clear description of what you need help with before you call or go online.
• Same-day and next-day appointments are often available online, but phone scheduling usually has longer wait times.
• Bring original documents (tax returns, notices, pay stubs, receipts) to your appointment, not copies.
• If you cannot get an appointment and need immediate help, some IRS offices hold walk-in hours on specific days.

Scheduling online at IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov/appointments and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and the reason for your visit. The system will show you available dates and times at offices near your zip code. You can usually see openings several weeks out, and many locations have same-day slots.

After you choose a time, the system will send you a confirmation email with your appointment number and office address. Write down or save this number — you will need it if you need to reschedule or cancel. The online system works on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you see an opening you need, book it immediately rather than browsing other times.

Calling the IRS appointment line

Call 844-545-5640 to speak with someone who can schedule your appointment. This line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number and a brief description of what you need ready before you call — the representative will ask for both.

Wait times on this line are often 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during tax season (January through April). If you reach a representative, they can usually book you for a date within two to four weeks. If the line is busy, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

What to tell the IRS about your appointment reason

The IRS sorts appointments into categories, and you need to pick the one that matches your situation. Common reasons include: tax return preparation help, payment plan or installment agreement setup, identity theft or fraud, amended return questions, transcript requests, and notices or letters you do not understand.

Be specific. Saying "I need help with my taxes" is too vague and may get you routed to the wrong office or appointment type. Instead, say "I need to set up a payment plan for 2023 taxes I owe" or "I received a notice about an audit and need to understand what documents to bring." The clearer you are, the more likely you will get an appointment that actually solves your problem.

Documents to bring to your appointment

Bring original documents, not photocopies. If you are discussing a specific tax year, bring the original tax return for that year, any notices or letters the IRS sent you, and documents that support your return (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, bank statements). If you are setting up a payment plan, bring proof of income and a list of your monthly expenses.

If you are there about identity theft, bring a copy of your credit report and any documents showing fraudulent accounts opened in your name. If you lost documents, bring what you do have and be ready to explain what is missing — the IRS can often reconstruct information from their own records.

Walk-in appointments and remote options

Some IRS offices hold walk-in hours on specific days, usually Tuesday through Thursday. You can find walk-in hours for your local office on IRS.gov by searching your zip code. Walk-in appointments are first-come, first-served, and you may wait two to four hours depending on how busy the office is that day. Go early in the morning if you choose this route.

If you cannot travel to an office or prefer not to, you can request a phone or video appointment when you schedule online or call. These work the same way as in-person visits — the representative will review your documents and answer your questions — but you handle everything from home. Video appointments require a device with a camera and internet connection.

What happens if you cannot get an appointment

If the online system shows no openings and the phone line is too busy, check back the next day. The IRS releases new appointment slots regularly, and cancellations open up slots throughout the week. You can also try calling a different time of day — early morning and late afternoon tend to have shorter waits than midday.

If you have a time-sensitive issue (an audit notice with a deadline, for example), mention this when you call. Representatives can sometimes fit urgent cases into the schedule or direct you to a different office with faster openings. If you still cannot reach anyone, visit your local IRS office during walk-in hours or contact a tax professional who can represent you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to go to the IRS office?

No. You can walk in during office hours, but you may wait several hours. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time means you will be seen at your scheduled time with minimal wait. If you have a scheduled appointment and arrive late, the office may not see you that day.

Can someone else go to my IRS appointment for me?

Yes, if you give them a power of attorney form (Form 2848). You can download this from IRS.gov and sign it in front of a notary. The person representing you must bring the original signed form and a photo ID. Without this form, the IRS will not discuss your account with anyone but you.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Use your confirmation email to reschedule online, or call 844-545-5640 with your appointment number. If you cancel, try to do it at least 24 hours in advance so someone else can use that slot. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer for the next opening.

How long does an IRS appointment usually take?

Most appointments last 15 to 45 minutes depending on how complex your situation is. Simple questions (like understanding a notice) take less time. Payment plans, amended returns, or identity theft cases usually take longer. Plan to be there for at least an hour to account for check-in and any wait.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. You can bring a spouse, family member, or friend for support. If you want them to speak on your behalf or access your account information, they need a power of attorney form (Form 2848). Otherwise, they can sit with you but the IRS will only discuss details with you directly.