How to Schedule and Prepare for an IRS In-Person Appointment

What an IRS in-person appointment is and how to request one

An IRS in-person appointment is a meeting at a local IRS office where you can speak directly with an IRS representative about your tax account, a specific tax issue, or documents you need to bring in person. You request one through the IRS website, by phone, or by mail — not by walking in. The IRS does not accept walk-ins at most locations, and appointments are scheduled weeks in advance.

The IRS offers in-person appointments for situations where a phone call or written correspondence will not resolve your issue: if you need to bring original documents, if the IRS has asked you to come in, or if your tax matter is complex enough that you want to speak face-to-face. You can also bring a representative — a tax professional, attorney, or power of attorney — to the appointment with you.

Key Takeaways

• You request an IRS in-person appointment through IRS.gov, by calling 1-800-829-1040, or by mailing Form 2688 or a written request to your local IRS office.
• The IRS schedules appointments weeks in advance, and you will receive a confirmation notice by mail that includes the date, time, office location, and what documents to bring.
• Bring original documents (not copies) if the IRS asked you to, along with your Social Security number or ITIN, photo ID, and any correspondence from the IRS about your case.
• If you cannot make the appointment, contact the IRS office listed on your notice at least 24 hours before the scheduled time to reschedule.
• You can bring a representative to the appointment, but they will need a power of attorney form (Form 2848) signed by you if they are not a family member.

How to request an appointment through IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and look for the "Appointments" section under "Contact Us." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number or ITIN, the reason for your appointment, and your preferred location and dates. The system will show you available time slots at IRS offices near you. Select one and confirm — you will receive a confirmation notice in the mail within a few days.

The online system works best if you know which IRS office you want to visit and have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system, you can call or mail a request instead.

Requesting an appointment by phone or mail

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request an in-person appointment. Have your Social Security number or ITIN, the reason for your appointment, and your preferred location ready. The representative will schedule you and mail you a confirmation notice. Wait times to reach the IRS by phone are often long, especially during tax season (January through April).

You can also mail a written request to your local IRS office. Include your name, Social Security number or ITIN, phone number, the reason for your appointment, and your preferred dates and location. Address the letter to the IRS office in your area — you can find the address on IRS.gov by searching for your state. Mail takes longer than calling or using the online system, so request your appointment at least four to six weeks before you need to meet.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN, a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and any documents the IRS asked you to bring in your appointment notice. If the IRS asked for originals, bring originals — not copies. Bring all correspondence from the IRS about your case, including notices, letters, and any forms you filed.

If you are bringing a representative, they will need a completed Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) signed by you. The representative should also bring their own ID. If your representative is a tax professional or attorney, they may have their own credentials to show instead of Form 2848 — ask them before the appointment.

Do not bring cash or make payments at the appointment unless the IRS specifically asked you to. If you owe taxes, the IRS will discuss payment options with you, but you will set up payment through other channels after the meeting.

What happens during the appointment

The IRS representative will review your documents, ask questions about your tax situation, and explain what happens next. If your issue can be resolved at the appointment, the representative will tell you. If more work is needed — such as reviewing additional records or getting approval from a supervisor — the IRS will follow up with you by mail or phone after the appointment.

The appointment usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how complex your situation is. The representative may ask you to sign documents or provide additional information. If you do not understand something, ask for clarification — the representative is there to explain the IRS position on your case.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to reschedule, contact the IRS office listed on your appointment notice at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. You can call the office or send a written request. The IRS will mail you a new confirmation notice with your new appointment date and time.

If you cancel without rescheduling, you may have to wait several more weeks to get another appointment. If the IRS initiated the appointment (sent you a notice asking you to come in), canceling may delay resolution of your tax issue.

What to do if you cannot reach the IRS to schedule

If you have tried calling 1-800-829-1040 multiple times and cannot reach anyone, or if the online system is not working, you can mail a written request to your local IRS office. Include your name, Social Security number or ITIN, phone number, the reason for your appointment, and your preferred dates and location. The IRS will respond by mail with your appointment confirmation.

During tax season, phone lines are busiest in the morning and early afternoon. Try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you have a tax professional or representative, they may be able to request the appointment on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my IRS appointment?

Yes. You can bring a family member, a tax professional, an attorney, or anyone else you choose. If the person is not a family member, you will need to give them power of attorney by completing Form 2848 and signing it before the appointment. The IRS will ask to see this form.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the IRS office listed on your appointment notice as soon as possible to reschedule. If you miss the appointment without calling, the IRS may close your case or take other action depending on why the appointment was scheduled. If the IRS initiated the appointment, missing it can delay resolution of your tax issue.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

The IRS typically schedules appointments two to four weeks in advance, sometimes longer during tax season. You will receive a confirmation notice in the mail that tells you your exact date and time. If you need an appointment sooner, explain the urgency when you request — the IRS may be able to fit you in faster in certain situations.

Do I need to bring copies of my tax return to the appointment?

Bring copies of any documents the IRS asked you to bring in your appointment notice. If the IRS did not specifically ask for your tax return, you do not need to bring it, but it may be helpful to have a copy with you in case questions come up during the meeting.

What if I need an interpreter at my appointment?

Tell the IRS when you request your appointment that you need an interpreter and specify the language. The IRS will arrange for an interpreter to be present. You can also bring your own interpreter if you prefer, but let the IRS know in advance.