How to Reschedule Your IRS Appointment Online

You can reschedule most IRS appointments through IRS.gov or by phone, but the method depends on the type of appointment you have

The IRS lets you reschedule many appointments online through your account on IRS.gov, but not all appointment types work that way. If you have a notice from the IRS telling you to come in — for an audit, to discuss a tax return, or to handle a payment issue — you can usually reschedule without calling. The fastest route is logging into your IRS account and finding the appointment in your messages. If your appointment type isn't available online, or if you don't have an IRS.gov account yet, you'll need to call the IRS directly at the number on your notice.

The key difference is whether the IRS scheduled the appointment for you (you can often reschedule online) or whether you scheduled it yourself (you may need to call). Either way, you should reschedule as soon as you know you can't make the original time — waiting until the day before or the day of the appointment limits your options and may result in a missed appointment penalty.

Key Takeaways

• Check the notice the IRS sent you for the appointment type and the phone number to call if you need to reschedule.
• Log into IRS.gov with your username and password to see if you can reschedule online through your account messages.
• If online rescheduling isn't available for your appointment type, call the number on your notice during the hours listed.
• Rescheduling by phone usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you'll receive a new appointment notice in the mail within a week or two.
• If you miss your appointment without rescheduling or calling to cancel, the IRS may assess penalties or take action on your account.

How to reschedule through IRS.gov

Start by going to IRS.gov and signing in with your username and password. If you don't have an IRS.gov account, you'll need to create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status from your most recent tax return. The account creation process takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity through a third-party service.

Once you're logged in, look for your appointment in the "Messages" or "Alerts" section of your account. The IRS will have sent you a notice with your appointment details — the date, time, location, and what to bring. If you see a "Reschedule" button or link next to your appointment, click it and select a new date and time from the available options. The system will show you only times that are actually open, so you won't waste time on slots that are already taken.

After you reschedule, you'll see a confirmation on the screen. Write down or print the new appointment details, because you won't receive a new notice in the mail right away. Keep the original notice as well — it contains information about what documents to bring and what the appointment is about.

When you need to call the IRS instead

Not all appointment types can be rescheduled online. If you don't see a reschedule option in your account, or if you don't have an IRS.gov account and don't want to create one, call the number on your appointment notice. That number connects you to the IRS office that scheduled your appointment, so they have your file in front of them and can reschedule you right away.

Call during the hours listed on your notice. Most IRS offices are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone. Wait times vary — early morning calls (before 10 a.m.) are usually shorter than afternoon calls. Have your notice in front of you when you call, along with your Social Security number and the reason for the appointment.

Tell the representative you need to reschedule and give them the date and time you originally had. They'll ask what dates and times work for you and will offer available slots. Once you agree on a new time, they'll confirm it over the phone and tell you when to expect a new notice in the mail. Write down the new appointment details they give you, because you may not receive written confirmation for several days.

What happens if you can't reschedule online or reach the IRS by phone

If the online system isn't working or you can't get through by phone, you have a few options. First, try calling again at a different time — IRS phone lines are often busier in the afternoon and on Mondays. Second, if your appointment is more than two weeks away, you have time to keep trying without penalty.

If your appointment is coming up very soon and you genuinely cannot reach the IRS, go to the appointment location on the scheduled date and time anyway. Bring your notice and explain to the staff that you tried to reschedule but couldn't reach anyone. They may be able to reschedule you in person or give you a new appointment on the spot. This is not ideal, but it protects you from a no-show penalty.

If you miss the appointment without rescheduling or contacting the IRS, the consequences depend on what the appointment was for. For an audit or examination, a no-show can result in the IRS making a decision on your case without your input, which often goes against you. For a payment arrangement or installment agreement appointment, missing it may delay your case or result in additional penalties.

What to bring and what to expect at your rescheduled appointment

Your original notice tells you what documents to bring. Common items include your Social Security card or ID, the year's tax return that the appointment is about, receipts or records related to the issue being discussed, and any correspondence from the IRS about the appointment. Don't bring originals of important documents — bring copies instead, because the IRS may keep them.

Appointments usually last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your case. You can bring a representative — a tax professional, accountant, or attorney — if you have one. If you do, make sure they know the new appointment date and time. You can also bring a friend or family member for support, though they may not be able to speak on your behalf unless they have power of attorney.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your notice with you, even though you've rescheduled, because it contains information the IRS office will need. If you're running late, call the office number on your notice and let them know — they may be able to hold your slot or reschedule you again if you're going to miss it.

Rescheduling by mail or in person

If you prefer not to use IRS.gov or call, you can reschedule by mail. Write a letter to the IRS office address on your appointment notice. Include your name, Social Security number, the date of your original appointment, and the reason you need to reschedule. Keep the letter brief and professional. Mail it at least two weeks before your appointment so the IRS has time to process it and send you a new notice.

You can also reschedule in person if you're near an IRS office. Walk in during business hours and bring your appointment notice. Tell the staff you need to reschedule. They can often do this on the spot, though you may have to wait. This method works best if your appointment is more than a week away and you have time to visit the office.

If you need to cancel instead of reschedule

If you don't need the appointment at all — for example, because you've resolved the issue with the IRS or hired a representative to handle it — you can cancel rather than reschedule. Use the same method: online through IRS.gov if the option is available, or by calling the number on your notice. Tell the representative you want to cancel, not reschedule.

Canceling is important because it frees up the appointment slot for someone else and removes the appointment from your account. If you simply don't show up, the IRS may try to contact you or take action on your case. If a representative is handling your case, make sure they know about the appointment so they can cancel it if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my IRS appointment the day before or the day of?

You can try, but your options will be very limited. Call the number on your notice as early as possible. If no slots are available, ask if you can reschedule for a later date. If you're unable to reschedule and can't make the appointment, go in person if you can and explain the situation to the staff.

What if I don't have an IRS.gov account and don't want to create one?

Call the number on your appointment notice instead. You don't need an account to reschedule by phone. The representative will have your information and can reschedule you right away without requiring you to set up online access.

Will I get a penalty if I reschedule my appointment?

No. Rescheduling is free and doesn't result in any penalty. The penalty only applies if you miss the appointment without rescheduling or contacting the IRS beforehand.

How long does it take to get a new appointment notice after I reschedule?

If you reschedule online, you'll see the confirmation immediately on your screen. If you reschedule by phone or mail, expect the new notice to arrive in the mail within 7 to 14 days. Don't wait for the notice — write down the new date and time the representative gives you.

Can someone else reschedule my appointment for me?

If you have a tax representative or attorney handling your case, they can reschedule on your behalf. Otherwise, the IRS prefers to reschedule with the person the appointment is for. If you're unable to call yourself, a family member can call and explain the situation, but they may need your permission or Social Security number to proceed.