Pleasantly surprised at the efficiency of this office. Whether you need forms, booklets, or simply guidance with your tax forms, you'll find everything here. The security guard was really helpful directing people- To enter, you'll need RealID since it's a federal office. Empty your pockets. Be prepared to have the security guard go through your bag and 'wand' over your body/shoes. If anything beep 'on your person', he was very clear about using the back of his hand to pat me down. Appreciate that! If they don't have the forms you need, there's a computer available to request them and they'll be mailed to you. Something to keep in mind since they don't have every form- it's only the most common forms. All in all, it wasn't a bad experience. Lunch is 12-1 and that room is locked up! You'll have to line up behind the stanchions or wait in the small sitting area by the elevators. read more

For being an office where I'm gonna spend a lot of my money it's not that bad. Honestly I was in and out when you get there you stand by the wall behind a line and you get your ID out, then some good looking cop pats ya down with a wand and checks your purse for weapons and you're onto the seating area. I was called superfast and they helped me make my payment. For being something crappy that we have to do, that we all have to do, It was quite nice. Parking was easy. The building itself is really really nice. Trust me it's way easier than doing the stuff online. read more

I came to this irs San Marcos location to see if they can help me fax some papers. The gentleman at the front desk looked at my papers and pointed at a shelf and said you need 8962 paper and just read the instructions. I replied with a confused ok. I walked down the hall with my three young children to sit down the hall to fill out the paper, within 10 minutes the security guard was giving me dirty look because of the noise my kids were making. After another 10 mins I noticed the Irs was going to lunch so I knew I was able to take my time filling out , but again the security guard came to me and asked me to leave the building because my kids were being too loud, I explained him that they are only 1&2 yrs old. They are just being kids. He replied that people are complaining of the noise , I looked around and said no one is in the hall but me and my kids . I replied I will leave the building because I do not want any trouble. I just find it unacceptable to harass a mom and her kids because simply a child makes noise. Two hours later I returned to the building with my paper work and they told me I cannot sit in their office with my kids and have to wait down the hall.but they allowed an elderly couple sit in the office with their dog. . I asked To speak to a manager but replied with we don't have one I stayed respectful and sat on the floor in the hallway crying until they decided to help me . I attached photos to show that I had to sit in the hall and keep my kids busy with the water fountain, but we also got dirty looks for doing that too read more

IRS - Keeping my children busy , since we they won't let us sit in the office - Tax Services Near Me - San Marcos, California

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The personnel there is very friendly and cooperative, though the office didn't solve my problem because of an unusual question, the overall experience is very pleasant, thank you for your service. read more

I'm writing this b/c I think alot of people don't know there's an IRS government office here in San Marcos. I had to make a tax payment and didn't want to overnite a payment to them. So I went to their website to research what locations are available. They have 2 offices here in SD: one in downtown San Diego and one in San Marcos. They are located on the FOURTH inside the City of San Marcos administration/development building. There is plenty of parking in their parking structure as well as a handful of 30 min parking spaces. I believe they share the parking w/ the public library right there as well. Take the elevator or stairs to the 4th floor and you will see signs for the office. The lone, cold security guard there told me to come back at 2p b/c everyone was out to lunch. Well, jeez - they didn't mention THAT on their website. And don't try calling their phone # - no one picks up. By the time I came back at 2p, there was a line into the office. And there were about 7 ppl waiting inside the office. A gentleman with a clipboard was taking down info. He asked what I wanted and I told him I JUST had to make a payment. He said 'follow me' and I proceeded to follow him into the office, cutting in front of all the others in line - I felt like a real ahole. The man told me that it would be at least 30 min before someone can help me. I asked if there was a drop off box for payments and he said no. That there are two other ppl sitting right now that are trying to make payments. He said to sit and wait for him to give me a ticket # to be called. So I waited 30 min. Then he came up to me again and said 'there's one person in front of you that will make payment, and another person who has questions to ask. Expect another 30 and 20 min wait'. You feel so defeated you know. What can you do. What can you say. Who do you complain to. As I looked around at all the sad defeated ppl there (sitting in office AND standing in line), you could just *feel* the defeat in the entire room. It felt like we were in some sort of slave camp - just waiting for some one to serve us a bowl of gruel. There was a heart felt story that afternoon though. The girl standing in front of the line had been patiently waiting there. She must have seen at least 5 ppl go in front of her to 1) wait in room to make payment or 2) talk to man about getting copies of transcripts. While I sat there in defeat, staring at wall like everyone else, I heard the girl come in. She asked the man if she could sit inside and possibly wait for her turn to get help. He wasn't very nice to her and said that she had to wait her turn. She quietly and politely said 'sir, I understand that. But I've been waiting in line all this time and don't understand why I haven't been helped.' He said that payments have priority and that they are unstaffed today, etc etc. You could feel her frustration but her poise and grace really blew me away. She said that she understood when he told her they were out to lunch from 1-2p but that she had been there since 8am. He continued to tell her there's no need to get angry - which she wasn't AT ALL even though I thought she had every right to be. She said had she known it would be take this long she would have mailed her stuff (or something like that). And he just continued to be curt and rude to her. She asked for his name and his supervisors name and just left with her head held high - I wanted to run after her and shake her hand. My number was finally called after 1+ hour of waiting. The agent didn't smile or engage me. He actually shamed me b/c I put the wrong payee info (note: don't make check out to IRS, make it out to United States Treasury). I just looked down and said 'sorry, I was in a hurry'. But thank you for shaming me Mr. IRS agent. Bottom line. Don't come here if it's for something simple. Mail your payment or pay the 2% fee they charge online to process a credit card payment. I've called the IRS toll free # in the past and have gotten pretty decent help over the phone. I would rather do that than revisit this location again. For some reason, I thought visiting an IRS office would be easier/better than visiting the DMV or SSA office. I couldn't have been more wrong. read more

Since last time I came they have totally changed the way they run their daily routine. It's only by appointment, but I can tell you now if you call the number this location does not have appointments available. I'm just going to tell you they open at 9am, but people are already there making line to sign on a list. Average 30 mins per person with out appointment. They go to lunch 12:30 to 1:30pm and they are short staffed. It's not their fault it's the IRS lol. So best days to go Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They do not have a lot of appointments so it's a higher chance you'll get seen. Have In mind you'll probably hang out there all day. Lol be ready and park in structure building vs outside the 30 mins parking a they will site you. Then you don't have to run out change your car and risk loosing your spot. Over all the staff is awesome very nice and friendly. There is some things they just can't help with so don't get mad, frustrated or blame them for life. They Only do the job. Other than that I will continue to choose this location by far vs other in SD. Good Luck! read more

IRS - Tax Services Near Me - San Marcos, California

I was expecting the worst coming here. Especially bringing my restless child. I came in to get my transcripts and I was surprised to find I was the only one in the office. I got both mine and my husband's transcripts with no problem. The clerk was extremely nice, helpful and knowledgeable about military and POA(issues revolving around that). Total opposite experience of what I was expecting! read more

IRS - City Hall has gone green IRS-4th Floor - Tax Services Near Me - San Marcos, California

Worst place in the world. They are quick to collect your money but you come to there office and get any help. They keep turning you away because people are calling sick.. how is that my problem. IRS takes enough of our hard earned money but they can't help us at there office because there always under staff. This American going down the shitter. Worst county to live rob you blind with taxes then give you shit in there office. Worst system ever. Please fix hire more people read more

I've been here every year for the past 8 or so years expecting at least a 1-2 hour wait before getting the transcripts I needed. I was in and out of the building within 15 minutes today. And the man at the front desk (bald head with glasses ~ sorry I didn't get your name) was the happiest/most pleasant guy in the room! read more

Have to admit I didn't know what to expect going to the San Marcos IRS. Brought my son to get a paper from IRS that says he's never filed to give to Cal Vet. Waited in line then proceeded inside to talk to a super friendly and full of customer service receptionist/ problem solver. His name was Michael Greenwood truly was amazing and a great asset to the IRS office. He took my son's ID told us to sit down, did a search then typed out the paper within a few minutes seriously called us and we were sooo thankful for all his help. He told us to go downstairs since they had a Cal Vet in the same Bldg. Wow checked off Two big items on our list. Michael truly was an angel that helped us. We are very thankful and surprised to have a superior experience! read more

Simply the worst... They are not well educated for filing a tax return for non-residents and extremely unhelpful and extremely unkind. I had inform myself on everything through the IRS website..The staff should be immediately fired. I know more about US tax laws then them! What a shame..Please save yourself the trouble and go to another office. read more

This place f****** sucks !!! There's only one person working, the lines are long as hell. . and the lady behind the desk just takes her sweet ass time we came to find out what happened to our tax return around 8 am and still waiting ! read more

Been here bf, For the most part folks its appointment only since july of 2016, unless if its jst a transcript or w-2. Service was quik for me , new security was prof n greeted wit a smile, clerk was also prof n had a smile, line was slow due to staffing levels/buget cuts, passes muster so far.. read more

I was in and out in 10 minutes for my transcripts. The guy at front desk was polite and helpful. After reading the reviews I was wary about going in, but my experience was perfect. read more

Idk what people are talking about honestly. I had an appointment early morning & went right in & & got everything done with!! Everyone was nice & informative! I'm thinking the yelp people just didn't know how to do it the right way lol read more

My time here was extremely easy. I came in for a tax transcript that I was not able to get by mail or online. There were 2 people in front on me in line at 1030am on a Wednesday. I was out by 1053. read more

Nice customer service, but painfully slow. After explaining that because of budget cuts there is only one person instead of three behind the desk, I proceeded to wait 3 hours to be seen. There are very few people in line total, but 1 person at a time taking twenty minutes per customer makes for another exciting time in a government office. +1 star for being better than the Dmv! read more

Incredibly rude staff & security guard. The last security guard was quick to help & guide those walking in. The current security guard just sits there like a bump on a log unwilling to stand up & when asked a question just mumbles. Do yourself a favor & visit a different office. read more

I used to think that the service and efficiency, as well as the extraordinarily long wait times at the DMV, the Social Security and even the ISCIS (INS) offices were something to dread and/or to avoid at all costs, but actually all of these services have improved over the years. There are various people willing and able to assist you despite the large numbers of applicants. However, my experience at the San Marcos IRS office proved to be the absolutely worst and most dismal governmental experience of my life! Not only do they only accept walk-ins (no reservations), but also there is no system in place that provides you with any idea as to when, or if, you will be called that day. And although you are given a number, it means nothing since there is neither rhyme nor reason as to why a numeric ticket was given in the first place. There is no working counter on the wall. The office opens at 8:30 am although lines begin to form at 7:45 am. We arrived at 9:10 am, and were greeted nicely by the male receptionist who was rather pleasant, although after having spent 4 1/2 hours waiting in a very small waiting room, I realized that he too was not much more helpful than the others. Yes. Ours was a very simple issue, which will "supposedly" be resolved via our signatures on an IRS form that I was unable to locate on line. However, it took 4 hours just to talk to someone. It took 35 minutes for the elderly gentlemen at the counter to produce one form, which we signed! That person characterized the inefficiency and tortuously slow service that everyone in the waiting room was experiencing. There was only one other lady working at the counter who appeared to be a bit less inefficient. In fact, we saw several people leave after 3 - 4 hours. And those who arrived after 11:30 am were told that there was no guarantee that they would even be serviced that day. We were told that there is a staff shortage. Of course, that doesn't excuse the unprofessional, rude behavior of the sworn police officer who regularly scolded a lady with her young child for either blocking the hallway with her stroller or "feeding" her baby. There is a no eating policy. She wasn't causing any problems for anyone there. That officer needs to be removed or re-trained in how to deal with the public in a more respectful manner while still enforcing rules. He appeared quite bitter. I truly felt sorry for everyone there. Yes. I did read the previous reviews and expected less than stellar service, but this was totally unacceptable. No one should be forced to wait for hours without knowing if or when they will be serviced. And you might think that the San Marcos is crowded just like the DMV or the Social Security Office that you may visit. No. I estimate that no more than 15 people were able to speak to an IRS representative that day. And when I left before 2:00 pm, no more than 25 people had even showed up. I understand that the closest IRS office that takes reservations is Long Beach. That might be a better bet. To reiterate: 1) Long, unknown wait times, 2) shortage of staff, 3) No organized system for servicing the public, and 4) unprofessional, rude behavior by the police officer. read more

This location is seriously understaffed. A line down the hall just to get in to the office. An IRS employee came out to get people organized, and was able to answer my question and get me on my way fairly quickly, and without needing to wait any longer. Other than the wait, the only unpleasant part was the security person / Supreme Master of the Hallway, who seemed to be having a very bad day. read more

I had an appointment and arrived early not knowing what to expect. I was greeted at the door in a polite and courteous manner. After I identified myself and proved the nature of my business I was handed a ticket with a number and told that someone would be with me shortly. No sooner than I sat down my number was called. The person who helped me was very courteous and professional. The meeting did not take long, I provided the necessary information, answered a few questions and was on my way. Overall, positive experience handled in a courteous, professional manner. read more

If I could leave no stars I would have. I came because the online and by mail options for requesting tax transcripts is not working and has not been for the past 6 months. I have requested multiple times. I was told I did not need an appointment to go into the office to get transcripts. I get there and am accosted by the security guard who asks if I have an appointment and when I said no he said I would not be seen without one. I told him I was told I did not need one for a transcript and he said well actually that's true but the guy who does them is out on vacation for two weeks. I told him I could not wait two weeks and that I was told I could come in and get them printed the same day. He said I might be able to have them printed today but most likely not because there was one person there and 3 people ahead of me. He also told me "drinks are outside." By which I asked him if he meant no drinks are allowed in the waiting room and when he said yes, I asked him where the trash can was so I could throw it out and he ignored me because there was not one. I ended up leaving because it was a fruitless conversation and he was not allowing me to get inside the door of the room to go on a waiting list due to not having an appointment and a Starbucks coffee in my hand. Great job IRS in taking our tax money and giving us rude attitude and awful options for doing our civic duty in return. read more

Good to have another office in North County. Only one person working, so there is a wait. You have to time it right and we arrived when there were only 2 people ahead of us! read more

Mike, security guard, Michael, reception services, and Paul, taxpayer helper, are quite a team. They are professional in demeanor, efficient in their communication, and knowledgeable. I was very satisfied with their services. read more

We have a very bad experience with the guard outdoor who has completely went out of line to disrespect us as a person and intimidated my 4 and 5 years old toddlers and my wife who is new to this country. If don't know why he has to show this behaviors on us but I felt little racial. read more

Absolutely dreadful experience at this place. Waited for almost 2 hours in the waiting room before they finally decided to tell me they were sorry but they wouldn't be able to get to me today, and told me to come back the following morning. Only had one person working there. Awful place no wonder people hate the IRS. read more

Was directed to this IRS walk-in center by a CPA for a tax question that needed IRS input. Phoned the center in advance, but no human answered, so drove there at 2pm on a Monday. Waited 20 minutes in 2 long lines outside the office. Then a worker came out and said there was only 1 person working there, due to lack of budget (what?!! neither I nor my CPA had heard of this). Furthermore the worker added that the one (1) advisor working there was not trained to answer my tax question. He also told a number of people who he thought could be helped to come back early the next morning to have a better chance of getting in before closing time. He then directed me to a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) location for my tax question, which was another 30 minutes drive away. Arriving there, I was told a prior appointment was necessary, but they were fully booked for 5-6 weeks out. All this for a standard IRS tax question, and still NO answer. The IRS phone lines don't appear to let you speak to a human, just frustrating voice robots. Flabbergasted to have to waste nearly a full day like this, and that this took place at the the US Government's official IRS office. Are we back in the dark ages? read more