Knowing the details of your IRS appointment is crucial for a smooth and productive visit. Whether you're dealing with a complex tax issue, need help with a specific form, or are responding to a notice, being prepared with your appointment information can save you time and stress.
How to Find Out the Date and Time of Your IRS Appointment
Hey there! Ever found yourself staring at your calendar, racking your brain trying to remember that important IRS appointment you made? You're not alone! It happens to the best of us. But don't fret, because this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the ways you can track down that vital information.
Let's dive in and get you prepared for your IRS visit!
Step 1: Check Your Initial Appointment Confirmation
This is usually the first and most reliable place to find your appointment details.
Sub-heading 1.1: The Email Confirmation
- Did you provide an email address when you scheduled your appointment? If so, the IRS generally sends an automated email confirmation to the address you provided.
- What to look for: Search your inbox (and spam/junk folders!) for emails from the IRS or a sender like "CARE Customer Service Appointments <irsfast@midatl.service-now.com>." The subject line might mention "IRS Appointment Confirmation" or something similar.
- Information typically included: This email will usually contain the date, time, and location of your appointment, along with a confirmation number. It might also include instructions on what to bring and what to expect.
- Reminder Emails: The IRS also sends a reminder email about 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. This is another good place to check!
Sub-heading 1.2: The Written or Printed Confirmation
- Did you receive a physical letter or print out a confirmation during the scheduling process?
- Where to find it: Check any physical mail you've received from the IRS since scheduling, or any files where you keep important documents.
- What it contains: Similar to the email, a physical confirmation will outline the date, time, and specific Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) location for your appointment. It's often a simple, straightforward document.
Step 2: Contact the IRS Directly by Phone
If you can't find a confirmation email or physical document, calling the IRS is your next best bet.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Dedicated Appointment Line
- The IRS has a specific phone number for scheduling and managing appointments at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). This is your primary point of contact for appointment-related inquiries.
- Call: 844-545-5640
- Operating Hours: Generally, IRS phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Be aware that wait times can vary, with longer waits typically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and during lunch hours, especially during filing season (January-April). Mid-week and mid-morning are often better times to call.
- What to have ready: When you call, be prepared to provide personal identifying information to verify your identity. This might include your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and potentially information from a previous tax return.
Sub-heading 2.2: General IRS Customer Service Lines
- While the dedicated appointment line is preferred, you can also try the general IRS customer service lines if you have trouble getting through or if your issue is broader than just checking an appointment.
- For Individuals: 800-829-1040
- For Businesses: 800-829-4933
- Be prepared for: These lines handle a wider range of inquiries, so they might have longer wait times. Clearly state that you need to find out the date and time of a previously scheduled appointment.
Step 3: Utilize Online Tools (Limited for Appointments)
While the IRS offers many online tools for general tax information, checking the exact date and time of a specific in-person appointment isn't always directly accessible through a universal online portal. However, these tools can still be useful for related information or self-service options that might negate the need for an appointment.
Sub-heading 3.1: IRS Online Account
- The IRS offers an "Online Account" where individuals can access their tax records, view balance, make payments, and even view tax professional authorizations. While it doesn't directly show scheduled in-person appointments, it's a valuable resource for other tax-related information that might be the subject of your appointment.
- Access: Visit IRS.gov and look for the "Your Account" section. You will need to verify your identity to access this.
- What you might find: You can view tax transcripts, payment history, and other account-specific details that might jog your memory about why you scheduled an appointment in the first place.
Sub-heading 3.2: Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator (Indirect Help)
- The IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) Locator tool on IRS.gov helps you find the closest IRS office, their hours of operation, and the services they provide. While it won't show your specific appointment time, it's helpful for confirming the location if you remember the general area of your appointment.
- Access: Search for "IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator" on IRS.gov.
- Usefulness: This tool is more for finding TAC locations and their services, rather than looking up a specific appointment. However, if you know which TAC you might have an appointment at, this can confirm its details.
Step 4: What to Do if You Still Can't Find It
If you've exhausted the above options and are still unable to locate your appointment details, it's time for a focused approach.
Sub-heading 4.1: Re-Contact the Appointment Line with Specifics
- When you call the 844-545-5640 number again, be ready to provide as much information as possible:
- The approximate date or week you believe the appointment was scheduled for.
- The reason you scheduled the appointment.
- Any specific IRS notice or letter number that prompted the appointment (e.g., CP11, LTR 105C).
- The names of any individuals who might have been with you when the appointment was scheduled.
Sub-heading 4.2: Consider Rescheduling (If Necessary)
- If all else fails and you're nearing the expected date of your appointment without confirmation, it might be safer to call the appointment line (844-545-5640) and explain your situation, asking if an appointment is on record for you. If not, be prepared to reschedule. It's always better to proactively reschedule than to miss an important appointment.
- Missing an appointment: While the IRS understands unforeseen circumstances, repeated missed appointments without notice could potentially delay resolution of your tax matters.
Important Tips for Your IRS Appointment:
- Bring Identification: Always bring a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport).
- Bring Relevant Documents: Gather all relevant IRS letters or notices you've received, and any supporting documentation related to the reason for your appointment (e.g., tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc.). The specific documents will depend on the nature of your visit.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for security screening and check-in.
- Limit Companions: The IRS recommends limiting the number of people who accompany you to the appointment. If you have a representative (like a tax professional), ensure they have proper authorization (Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, or Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization).
- Be Patient: Even with an appointment, there might be slight delays.
- Write it Down: Once you confirm your appointment, immediately write down the date, time, and location in multiple places: your personal calendar, phone, and a dedicated tax folder. This simple step can prevent future headaches!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to reschedule an IRS appointment?
To reschedule an IRS appointment, call the dedicated appointment line at 844-545-5640. Explain that you need to change your existing appointment time or date.
How to find my local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) location?
You can find your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) by using the "Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator" tool on the official IRS website (IRS.gov).
How to prepare for my IRS appointment?
To prepare for your IRS appointment, gather all relevant IRS notices or letters, any supporting documents (tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc.), and a government-issued photo ID.
How to get an interpreter for my IRS appointment?
When you schedule your appointment via the 844-545-5640 line, you can request an interpreter if needed. The IRS can often provide assistance with an interpreter over the phone or arrange one for your in-person visit.
How to get help from the IRS if I can't visit in person?
Many tax issues can be resolved online through IRS.gov (e.g., IRS Online Account, Where's My Refund, Interactive Tax Assistant) or by calling the appropriate IRS toll-free phone number for your specific query (e.g., 800-829-1040 for individuals).
How to know if my issue requires an IRS appointment?
While many issues can be resolved online or by phone, in-person appointments at a TAC are often needed for complex tax account issues, identity theft assistance, applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or when responding to certain IRS notices that require face-to-face interaction. The IRS website typically outlines services available at TACs.
How to deal with a CP11 or LTR 105C notice from the IRS?
If you receive a CP11 notice (changes to your return resulting in more tax owed) or LTR 105C (disallowance of a credit, often Employee Retention Credit), carefully read the notice. It will provide specific instructions, including contact numbers to call if you agree or disagree, and your appeal rights. Often, calling the number on the notice is the first step.
How to find out the typical IRS phone wait times?
IRS wait times vary depending on the time of year and day. Generally, filing season (January-April) has average wait times of 3-4 minutes, while post-filing season (May-December) can see wait times of 10-15 minutes or more. Weekends and federal holidays, as well as Mondays and Tuesdays, tend to have longer waits.
How to get a copy of my tax transcript?
You can order a tax transcript online through your IRS Online Account on IRS.gov, by mail using Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return), or by calling 800-908-9946.
How to verify if an IRS agent is legitimate?
If you receive a suspicious call or message claiming to be from the IRS, you can verify an agent's legitimacy by calling the official IRS phone number (800-829-1040 for individuals) and asking to speak to the agent who contacted you by name and badge number. The IRS will never demand immediate payment via specific methods like gift cards or wire transfers, nor will they threaten to involve local police for non-payment without prior correspondence.
