As the 2026 tax filing deadline approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a significant change designed to help millions of taxpayers get the support they need before filing their returns.
In an effort to reduce long wait times and improve access to assistance, the IRS is extending weekday office hours and introducing additional Saturday openings at hundreds of Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the United States.
The move comes as the April 15 federal tax deadline draws closer, a time when demand for tax assistance typically surges.
Why the IRS Is Expanding Office Hours
Every year, millions of Americans rely on in-person support from the IRS to handle complex tax issues. These can include:
- Filing or correcting tax returns
- Resolving account problems
- Identity verification for tax filings
- Payment plan assistance
- Clarifying notices or letters from the IRS
However, during peak filing season many taxpayers struggle to secure timely appointments due to limited office hours and high demand.
To address these challenges, the IRS announced on March 6 that it will extend hours at more than 200 Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide, giving taxpayers more flexibility to seek help.
What the New IRS Office Hours Include
Under the new plan, participating IRS locations will provide:
Extended Weekday Hours
Taxpayer Assistance Centers will remain open longer on weekdays through April 30, allowing taxpayers to visit after standard business hours.
This change is especially helpful for workers who cannot easily attend appointments during normal daytime hours.
Saturday Office Openings
In addition to extended weekday hours, select IRS offices will open on Saturdays through June 2026.
These weekend sessions will provide nearly all the same services available during the week, including:
- Tax return assistance
- Identity verification
- Account inquiries
- Payment plan discussions
- Help with IRS notices
However, cash payments will not be accepted during Saturday openings, according to the IRS.
How Taxpayers Can Find an Open IRS Office
Taxpayers who want to visit a local office should use the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool available on IRS.gov.
The online tool allows users to:
- Find the nearest IRS office
- Check updated office hours
- Confirm whether extended hours are available
- View services offered at each location
- Get directions and appointment details
Because office schedules may change depending on staffing and local demand, the IRS recommends checking the website regularly before visiting.
The April 15 Tax Filing Deadline
For most Americans, federal income tax returns must be filed by April 15, 2026, unless a filing extension is requested.
Taxpayers who miss the deadline without filing an extension may face:
- Late filing penalties
- Interest on unpaid taxes
- Additional administrative complications
The IRS hopes that expanding office hours will help reduce last-minute filing pressure and ensure taxpayers receive the support they need before the deadline.
Addressing Long Wait Times at the IRS
The IRS has faced criticism in recent years for long call wait times and limited access to in-person support during tax season.
In response, the agency has gradually expanded its services, including:
- Increasing staffing at assistance centers
- Improving online tools
- Offering extended hours during peak filing periods
The newly announced extended hours are part of the agency’s ongoing effort to make tax assistance more accessible and efficient for taxpayers nationwide.
What Happens Next
According to the IRS:
- Extended weekday hours will continue through April 30, 2026
- Saturday openings will run through June 2026 at select locations
As the tax deadline approaches, the IRS is also encouraging taxpayers to use its digital services alongside in-person assistance to avoid delays and filing errors.
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For taxpayers who still need help preparing their returns or resolving tax account issues, these extended hours could provide a valuable opportunity before the filing season reaches its busiest weeks.
