Quick Summary
The IRS discontinued its self-service tax kiosk programme in 2025, but it did not close every Taxpayer Assistance Center.
- The kiosks previously gave taxpayers access to services such as tax transcripts, forms, refund tools, payments and selected filing resources.
- TIGTA found that many terminals were inoperable or outdated and that some maintenance tickets remained unresolved for extended periods.
- Taxpayers can still use IRS Online Account, Where’s My Refund, IRS Free File, VITA/TCE assistance and appointment-based local office services.
- Anyone needing in-person assistance should check the official IRS office locator and confirm an appointment before travelling.
- The main takeaway is that the kiosk programme ended, while other online, telephone, community and in-person support options remain available.
The IRS discontinued its Facilitated Self-Assistance tax kiosk program in 2025 after a federal review found that many terminals were outdated, inoperable or slow to repair. The closure affected self-service kiosks located inside selected Taxpayer Assistance Centers; it did not close every IRS office. In 2026, taxpayers can still use IRS Online Account, Where’s My Refund, IRS Free File, VITA/TCE services, telephone support and appointment-based help at local Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Because office availability and staffing vary, taxpayers should check the official IRS office locator and schedule an appointment before travelling.
What Does the IRS Tax Kiosk Closure Mean?
The IRS tax kiosk closure refers to the discontinuation of the Facilitated Self-Assistance kiosk programme in 2025. These kiosks were computer terminals located inside selected Taxpayer Assistance Centers and allowed taxpayers to access IRS services such as tax forms, refund information, transcripts, electronic payments and filing tools without an appointment. The closure affected only the self-service kiosks, not every IRS office. Taxpayers can still receive help through IRS online services, telephone support and appointment-based assistance at available Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
Did the IRS Close Its Tax Kiosks?
Yes. The IRS discontinued its Facilitated Self-Assistance kiosk program after deciding not to continue the related support contract for 2025. The program provided self-service computer terminals at selected Taxpayer Assistance Centers. These terminals allowed taxpayers to access IRS tools and information without using their own computer or internet connection.
The closure did not mean that every Taxpayer Assistance Center closed. TACs continue to provide in-person assistance where offices are open and staffed, although availability, staffing and appointment capacity vary by location.
What Services Did the Kiosks Provide?
The kiosks gave taxpayers access to IRS websites and selected self-service tools.
Depending on the configuration and period, users could access services such as:
- IRS Free File or fillable forms;
- Where’s My Refund?;
- the Interactive Tax Assistant;
- the Earned Income Tax Credit Assistant;
- online payment agreements;
- tax forms and publications;
- Get Transcript;
- Employer Identification Number applications; and
- the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.
They were particularly useful for taxpayers who did not have reliable access to a computer, printer or internet connection.
Why Did the IRS Discontinue the Kiosk Program?
A Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration evaluation issued in August 2025 identified substantial reliability and maintenance problems.
In April 2024, the program had 100 kiosks located across 37 Taxpayer Assistance Centers. TIGTA reviewed the operational status and found:
- 55 kiosks were operational;
- 40 were inoperable; and
- the status of five could not be determined.
TIGTA also reviewed 137 support tickets. Twenty-four remained open, while the other tickets had taken periods ranging from 30 days or less to as long as 463 days to close.
The IRS was paying approximately $500,000 per year for kiosk maintenance and elected not to exercise the support option for 2025. The program was then discontinued.
The 463-day figure should not be described as an average. It represented the longest closure period within the reported range.
Are Taxpayer Assistance Centers Still Open?
Some are open, but the kiosk shutdown should not be confused with the current status of individual IRS offices.
A 2026 TIGTA filing-season report stated that the IRS offered appointments at 353 Taxpayer Assistance Centers as of February 16, 2026. It also reported that 169 of those locations were staffed by only one or two employees.
Separate reporting showed that 35 TAC offices had been closed by December 2025. This means office status can change and service capacity may differ significantly between locations.
Before travelling, taxpayers should:
- use the official IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center locator;
- check the location’s current status and services;
- call the IRS appointment number shown by the locator; and
- confirm what documents are required.
The official IRS local-office page was updated in July 2026 and remains the best source for current office information.
What Help Is Available Instead of a Kiosk?
The right alternative depends on what the taxpayer needs.
| Taxpayer need | Current option |
|---|---|
| Check a refund | Where’s My Refund? |
| View balances and notices | IRS Online Account |
| Obtain a tax transcript | Online Account or Get Transcript |
| Make or schedule a payment | IRS Direct Pay or Online Account |
| Apply for a payment plan | Online Payment Agreement |
| File a federal return free | IRS Free File or Free File Fillable Forms |
| Obtain free preparation help | VITA or TCE |
| Resolve an issue in person | Scheduled TAC appointment |
| Ask a general tax question | IRS telephone assistance or Interactive Tax Assistant |
IRS Online Account
An IRS Online Account can allow an individual taxpayer to:
- view account balances;
- review payment history;
- make payments;
- obtain selected records and transcripts;
- access notices and letters;
- manage communication preferences; and
- review information associated with the account.
Available features can change, so taxpayers should use the official IRS account page rather than relying on an old article or screenshot.
Where’s My Refund?
Taxpayers waiting for a refund should use the official Where’s My Refund tool.
They generally need:
- their Social Security number or ITIN;
- filing status; and
- the exact refund amount shown on the return.
A kiosk is not required to access the service.
Tax Transcripts
Taxpayers may use IRS online transcript services to request records such as:
- tax-return transcripts;
- tax-account transcripts;
- wage and income transcripts; and
- records of account.
When online identity verification is not possible, other request methods may be available.
Payment Plans
Taxpayers who cannot pay the full balance may be able to apply for an online payment agreement.
Eligibility, setup fees, payment terms and required information depend on the taxpayer’s situation.
IRS Free File
For the 2026 filing season, IRS Free File continues to provide guided tax-software options through participating providers for eligible taxpayers.
The IRS announced that taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less could use the guided Free File options for the 2026 season. Free File Fillable Forms are also available for taxpayers comfortable preparing their own returns.
VITA and TCE
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program generally provides free basic tax-return preparation to qualifying taxpayers, including people with low-to-moderate incomes, people with disabilities and taxpayers with limited English proficiency.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) is an IRS program that focuses on taxpayers aged 60 and older, particularly those with questions about pensions, retirement income, and other retirement-related tax matters.
Services and eligibility vary by location. Taxpayers should use the official IRS locator and confirm requirements before visiting.
Is IRS Direct File Available in 2026?
No. IRS Direct File is not available for the 2026 filing season.
Taxpayers should not confuse Direct File with IRS Free File.
- Direct File was an IRS-operated filing option used during earlier filing seasons.
- IRS Free File is a continuing partnership that connects eligible taxpayers with participating private tax-software providers.
Current IRS filing guidance emphasizes Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, MilTax and VITA/TCE rather than Direct File.
Any article still directing 2026 taxpayers to Direct File should be corrected.
How Do You Book a Taxpayer Assistance Center Appointment?
Most in-person services require an appointment.
A taxpayer should:
- visit the official IRS local-office locator;
- enter a ZIP code;
- select an available location;
- review the services offered;
- call the appointment number; and
- confirm the date, time and required documentation.
Some offices may offer special extended-hour or Saturday events during filing season, but those dates are temporary and should not be treated as permanent walk-in availability. The IRS held a series of Saturday service events during the 2026 filing season, with the final scheduled event on June 27, 2026.
What Should You Bring to an IRS Appointment?
Requirements depend on the issue, but taxpayers may be asked to bring:
- government-issued photo identification;
- Social Security cards or ITIN documentation;
- the IRS notice or letter relating to the appointment;
- the relevant tax return;
- wage and income documents;
- payment records;
- authorization forms when representing another person; and
- any documents requested when the appointment was scheduled.
The taxpayer should ask the appointment representative exactly what is required.
Missing identification or tax records may prevent the office from resolving the issue during the visit.
Can You Walk Into an IRS Office Without an Appointment?
Taxpayers should not assume walk-in help is available.
Some offices may provide limited walk-in or special-event assistance on announced dates, but normal TAC service is generally appointment based.
Always check the official location page and call before visiting.
What Should Tax Professionals Tell Clients?
CPA firms, enrolled agents and tax preparers can reduce client confusion by providing a short support guide.
The guide should explain:
- that tax kiosks closed, not every IRS office;
- how to create or access an IRS Online Account;
- how to check refund status;
- how to request a transcript;
- how to apply for a payment agreement;
- which free filing services remain available;
- that Direct File is unavailable in 2026;
- how to find VITA or TCE assistance; and
- how to book a TAC appointment.
Professionals should link directly to official IRS resources rather than copying telephone numbers, office lists or eligibility thresholds into permanent PDFs that may become outdated.
What Access Problems Remain?
The kiosks were intended partly to help taxpayers without reliable technology access.
TIGTA noted that some taxpayers in rural or underserved areas may not have the computer, printer or internet access needed to complete online tasks independently.
Removing unreliable hardware may have reduced maintenance problems, but it did not eliminate the underlying need for accessible assistance.
Taxpayers who cannot use online services may need:
- telephone assistance;
- help from a family member or authorized representative;
- a VITA or TCE site;
- a library or community resource;
- a tax professional; or
- an appointment at an available TAC.
This is why current local-office status and free-assistance locations should be checked before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The IRS ended its self-service kiosk program, but Taxpayer Assistance Centers continue to operate at available and staffed locations. Some offices have closed, and service capacity varies.
TIGTA found that many kiosks were inoperable or outdated and that some maintenance tickets took a long time to resolve. The IRS decided not to continue the related support contract.
Most normal TAC services require appointments. Some locations may hold temporary Saturday or extended-hour events, but taxpayers should verify current availability before visiting.
Use the official Where’s My Refund tool. You generally need your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status and exact refund amount.
Yes. IRS Free File remains available through participating providers. Eligibility and available providers should be verified on the current official IRS page.
Final Takeaway
The IRS tax-kiosk program ended because the equipment had become difficult to maintain and many terminals were not operating reliably. The shutdown did not eliminate every form of in-person IRS help.
In 2026, taxpayers should begin with the official online service that matches their need and use appointment-based or community assistance when online service is not practical.
The most important steps are:
- do not travel to an IRS office without checking its current status;
- do not rely on outdated guidance mentioning Direct File;
- use official IRS tools for refunds, transcripts, accounts and payments;
- check Free File, VITA and TCE eligibility; and
- book a TAC appointment when the issue cannot be resolved remotely.
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Tax disclaimer: This article is general educational information and does not constitute individual tax, legal or financial advice. IRS programs, office availability and eligibility requirements can change. Verify current details through official IRS resources.
