IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Appointments: How to Book and What to Bring

What a Taxpayer Assistance Center does

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) offer in-person help with tax account issues. They are not tax preparation offices; for help preparing a return, see the free programs below.

The IRS notes that you can get help with most tax issues online or by phone, so check irs.gov first — you may not need a visit.

How to book

The IRS’s local office page (external site) lets you find a center near you and says to call ahead to schedule your appointment. When scheduling, the IRS says you can sign up for text messages to help manage your appointment. Offices are closed on federal holidays.

What to bring

The IRS lists the following on its local office page:

• A current government-issued photo ID. For some services the IRS asks for two original forms of ID, including a current government-issued photo ID, and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question.
• A taxpayer identification number, such as a Social Security number or ITIN.
• Any supporting tax documents you’ll need.
• If you are applying for or renewing an ITIN, have your documents ready.
• If you are claiming refundable credits, be prepared to substantiate them.

The IRS also notes that a tribal membership card is not a federally issued ID; it can be an additional form of ID but not a replacement for a driver’s license or passport. For children under 14 and some students, school records may be used.

On the day

• The IRS asks you to reschedule if you feel ill and to silence your phone during the appointment.
• According to the IRS, if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled time and haven’t checked in, your appointment may be cancelled.

See how early to arrive for general timing tips.

Need help preparing a return instead?

The IRS runs free tax preparation programs for qualifying taxpayers through volunteer sites. See what to bring to a tax preparation appointment.