IRS taxpayer assistance office in Spokane to be open by appointment only

The IRS taxpayer assistance center in Spokane will be open by appointment only starting Monday. The office, in the Federal Courthouse at 920 W. Riverside Ave., previously had been open for walk-in service.

The change should reduce wait times over the first-come, first-served model, which might have had a taxpayer with a simple question waiting while someone with a complex issue was being helped, said IRS regional spokesman David Tucker.

The IRS also wants taxpayers to first consult the agency’s website, www.IRS.gov, before making an in-person appointment. “Prior studies show that many taxpayers visit an IRS office to get a tax transcript, make a payment, resolve a notice, obtain a form or publication or ask about their refund,” which can also be accomplished online, a news release said.

The taxpayer assistance center is located in Room 121 of the Federal Courthouse. To schedule an appointment call 1-844-545-5640.