Did you ever get the appointment?
Oh, yes. I realized after I posted that that it might not be clear. After I was on hold a while, I was able to make the appointment verbally with the main tax office; then I had to be prepared when I arrived to be notified without a phone. But it all worked out. Everyone was polite and helpful. I try never to get impatient or loud; it seems to just build resistance. I'm sure that their job can be wearing and sometimes unpleasant, all the various people that they have to deal with.