How to Schedule an IRS Appointment Online

You can schedule most IRS appointments online through IRS.gov, but the method depends on what you need

The IRS offers online scheduling for certain in-person appointments at local offices, but not all services are available this way. You can book a face-to-face meeting for tax return help, payment plans, or identity theft issues through the IRS website. Other matters — like audits or criminal investigations — require you to wait for the IRS to contact you or call their phone line instead.

The online system works through an appointment scheduler on IRS.gov. You enter your location, the reason for your visit, and your availability. The IRS then shows you open time slots at the nearest Taxpayer information Center. You confirm your appointment and receive a confirmation number by email.

Key Takeaways

• Online scheduling through IRS.gov is available only for specific services like return preparation help, payment plan setup, and identity theft reporting.
• You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a phone number, and an email address to complete the booking.
• The IRS appointment scheduler shows available slots at Taxpayer information Centers in your area, and you can choose a date and time that works for you.
• If your issue is not available for online booking, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to schedule by phone or request a callback.
• Confirmation happens by email, and you should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with documents related to your appointment reason.

What services you can book online versus by phone

The IRS online scheduler covers routine matters that do not require investigation or enforcement. You can book appointments for help preparing your tax return, setting up a payment plan for taxes you owe, reporting identity theft, or getting help understanding a notice the IRS sent you. You can also schedule visits to discuss tax credits, estimated tax payments, or business tax questions.

Services that require the IRS to initiate contact — like audits, collections cases, or criminal investigations — cannot be booked online. If you received a notice about an audit or owe back taxes and the IRS has already opened a case, you will need to call 1-800-829-1040 or respond to the notice itself. The IRS will tell you how to proceed.

Steps to book an appointment on IRS.gov

Start by going to IRS.gov and finding the appointment scheduler. The link is usually under "Contact Us" or "Taxpayer information Centers." You will see a prompt asking for your location — enter your city and state or ZIP code. The system will show Taxpayer information Centers near you.

Next, select the reason for your visit from a dropdown menu. The options include "Individual Income Tax Return Preparation," "Payment Plan," "Identity Theft," "Tax Notice Help," and others. Choose the one that matches your situation most closely.

The scheduler will then show you available dates and times at the nearest center. Pick a slot that works for you. You will need to enter your Social Security number or ITIN, a phone number where the IRS can reach you, and an email address. The system will send a confirmation email with your appointment number, date, time, and the center's address.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring documents related to the reason for your appointment. If you are there for tax return help, bring your income documents — W-2s, 1099s, and records of deductions. If you are setting up a payment plan, bring recent pay stubs and bank statements. For identity theft, bring a copy of your police report and any IRS notices you received about fraudulent activity.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or ITIN card. If someone else is representing you — a tax professional or family member with power of attorney — they will need to bring a signed Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization).

When online scheduling is not available in your area

Some rural areas or smaller cities do not have a Taxpayer information Center, so online scheduling will not show appointments. In those cases, call 1-800-829-1040 to ask about phone support or whether you can handle your issue by mail. The IRS can often help with payment plans, notices, and basic questions over the phone without requiring an in-person visit.

If you need an in-person appointment and no center is nearby, ask the phone representative whether the IRS can schedule a video call instead. Video appointments are available for some services and may be faster than traveling to a distant office.

What happens if you need to cancel or reschedule

If you need to change your appointment, log back into the IRS scheduler using your confirmation number and email address. You can cancel the existing appointment and book a new one. Alternatively, call 1-800-829-1040 and provide your confirmation number — the representative can reschedule for you.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, the IRS may close your case or require you to reschedule. If you are unable to make it, cancel as soon as you know so the slot opens for someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an audit appointment online?

No. If the IRS is auditing your return, they will contact you by mail with instructions on how to respond. You cannot book an audit appointment through the online scheduler. Follow the notice you received, which will explain whether you need to provide documents by mail or attend an in-person meeting.

What if I do not have an email address?

The online scheduler requires an email address to send your confirmation. If you do not have one, call 1-800-829-1040 to schedule by phone instead. The representative can book your appointment and provide the details over the phone.

How far in advance can I book an appointment?

The scheduler typically shows appointments available within the next 30 days, though this varies by location and how busy the local office is. If you need an appointment further out, call the IRS phone line to request one.

Will I have to wait a long time at the appointment?

Appointment wait times depend on how busy the office is that day. Arriving early and having your documents organized can help move things along. If you are kept waiting beyond 15 minutes past your appointment time, ask the receptionist for an update.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or tax professional. If a tax professional or attorney is representing you, they will need to bring Form 2848 signed by you. The IRS will not discuss your case with anyone else without this form.