IRS: Visits to Taxpayer Assistance Centers Require Appointments

Image courtesy AARP Foundation.

The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that IRS offices provide service by appointment. However, most people can easily find answers to their tax questions online and avoid an in-person visit.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs), like the IRS telephone centers, experience peak demand in the days around Presidents Day.

Taxpayers can avoid the rush by first exploring online. IRS studies show most taxpayers visit a TAC to make payments, ask about a notice or letter they received, check on refunds, get a transcript or obtain a tax form. Many of these issues can be resolved online without traveling to an IRS office.

The IRS suggests taxpayers first try these online options:

• Payments
• Notices
• Refunds
• Transcripts
• Tax Forms

Some taxpayers also make in-person monthly or quarterly tax payments. Those payments can be made safely and easily online by using IRS Direct Pay or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.

Taxpayers seeking free tax preparation assistance should explore the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for in-person help or IRS Free File if they want to prepare their return themselves.

Service by appointment and toll-free phone options help to ensure that the IRS serves taxpayers who have no other option but to visit or call the IRS for assistance. Taxpayers who are unable to resolve their issue using online tools or the toll-free helpline and want to visit a TAC should schedule an appointment by calling the appointment line at (844) 545-5640.

The Contact Your Local Office tool online helps taxpayers find the closest IRS TAC, the days and hours of operation and a list of services provided. Services are limited and vary at each TAC.

Taxpayers requesting services at TACs will be asked to provide valid photo identification and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.