How to Schedule an IRS Appointment Online

You can book an IRS appointment online through the IRS website or by phone, and the process takes about five minutes once you know what you need

The IRS lets you schedule in-person appointments at local tax offices through their online appointment system. You go to irs.gov/appointments, enter your location and the type of help you need, and pick an available time slot. The system shows you openings at the nearest IRS office and lets you confirm your appointment right away. You'll get a confirmation number by email or text, depending on how you set it up.

If you prefer not to book online, you can call the IRS at 844-545-5640 to schedule over the phone. The wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week. Either way, you need to know what you're coming in for — whether it's about a tax return, a notice you received, or a payment plan — because the IRS uses that information to assign you to the right person and make sure they have time set aside.

Key Takeaways

• Go to irs.gov/appointments, enter your zip code and reason for the visit, and select from available time slots at your nearest office.
• You'll receive a confirmation number by email or text that you should bring or have ready when you arrive.
• The IRS accepts appointments for tax return questions, notices, payment arrangements, and identity theft issues, but not for general tax information.
• If you cancel or need to reschedule, do it through the same website or by calling 844-545-5640 at least 24 hours before your appointment.
• Bring a photo ID, any documents related to your issue (like a notice or return), and your Social Security number or ITIN.

What you need before you book

Have your zip code ready, because the IRS appointment system searches by location. You also need to know the general reason for your visit — the system asks you to pick from categories like "Tax return questions," "IRS notice or letter," "Payment plan or payment issue," or "Identity theft." If your issue doesn't fit neatly into one category, pick the closest match; the IRS staff can redirect you if needed when you arrive.

If you received an IRS notice in the mail, have it in front of you. The notice number helps the IRS pull up your file before you walk in, which saves time during your appointment. If you're calling instead of booking online, the representative will ask for this information over the phone.

Step-by-step: booking through irs.gov/appointments

Start by going to irs.gov/appointments in your web browser. You don't need to log into an IRS account; the appointment system is open to anyone. Enter your five-digit zip code in the search box and click "Find Locations." The system will show you IRS offices within a reasonable distance, usually sorted by how close they are to you.

Click on the office you want to visit. A calendar will appear showing available dates and times for the next several weeks. Click on a date that works for you, then select a specific time slot. The system will ask you to enter your name, phone number, and email address. Double-check these — the IRS uses this information to send you a confirmation and to contact you if there's a scheduling conflict.

After you submit, you'll see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The IRS will also send a confirmation email or text message within a few minutes. If you don't receive it within 15 minutes, check your spam folder or call 844-545-5640 to confirm the appointment was recorded.

Booking by phone instead

Call 844-545-5640 during business hours — typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern time. Have your zip code and the reason for your visit ready. The representative will tell you what offices are near you and what times are open. They'll book the appointment, give you a confirmation number over the phone, and send a confirmation to your email or phone number.

Phone wait times vary by season. During tax season (January through April), expect longer waits. If you reach a busy signal, the IRS recommends calling back later rather than staying on hold. Early morning calls, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to have shorter waits.

What happens after you book

Your confirmation will include the office address, the date and time of your appointment, and your confirmation number. Arrive about 10 minutes early. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number or ITIN, and any documents related to your issue — the notice you received, a copy of the tax return in question, or records of payments you've made.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, go back to irs.gov/appointments and use your confirmation number to modify the appointment, or call 844-545-5640. The IRS asks that you cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment time. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have trouble booking another one right away.

When the online system might not have openings

During busy tax season, some offices fill up weeks in advance. If you don't see available times at your preferred location, try searching for an office a few miles away — sometimes a less-busy branch has sooner openings. You can also call 844-545-5640; representatives sometimes have access to appointment slots that don't show online, or they can put you on a waitlist if an opening comes up.

If no appointments are available in your area and you need to speak with the IRS urgently, ask about phone or video appointment options when you call. The IRS offers remote appointments for some types of issues, though not all offices provide this service yet.

What the IRS appointment system can and cannot do

The appointment system works for tax return questions, notices you've received, payment plans, payment issues, and identity theft concerns. It does not work for general tax information, tax preparation help, or questions about whether you should file. For those, you'd need to contact a tax professional or use the IRS's free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax information (VITA) program.

If you're calling about a business tax issue, the IRS may direct you to a different phone line or office. The main appointment line handles individual income tax matters. Business owners should ask about scheduling through the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create an IRS account to book an appointment online?

No. The appointment system at irs.gov/appointments is open to anyone and doesn't require you to log in or create an account. You just enter your zip code and contact information, and the system books the appointment.

What if I don't have an email address or phone number to receive the confirmation?

You'll need at least one way for the IRS to contact you. If you're booking by phone, the representative can note your preference for how they'll send the confirmation. If you're booking online and don't have email, provide your phone number and the IRS will text the confirmation instead.

Can I bring someone with me to my IRS appointment?

Yes. You can bring a spouse, family member, or tax professional. If you bring a tax professional or attorney, let the IRS know when you book so they can set aside enough time. You'll need to sign a form authorizing that person to discuss your tax information with the IRS.

What if I'm running late to my appointment?

Call the office directly as soon as you know you'll be late. The IRS will try to work with you, but if you're more than 15 minutes late, they may cancel the appointment and you'll need to reschedule. The office phone number is on your confirmation.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

You can book an appointment and provide someone else's contact information if they've authorized you to do so, but the IRS prefers that the person attending the appointment be the one who books it. If you're booking for an elderly parent or someone who can't use the internet, calling 844-545-5640 is the better option.