The IRS Online Account is a free, secure portal where you can view your tax records, make payments, manage payment plans, and access IRS notices 24/7 without calling or mailing forms.
What you can do:
- View tax transcripts, return information, and adjusted gross income
- Check balances owed by tax year and track refund status
- Make same-day payments or schedule up to 365 days in advance
- Set up, view, and modify payment plans
- Access digital copies of IRS notices and certain Forms W-2/1099 (availability varies)
- Monitor audit status (for certain mail audits only)
- Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
- Go paperless for select notices
- Authorize tax professionals electronically
What is the IRS Online Account?
The IRS Online Account is a free, secure portal where individual taxpayers can view and manage their federal tax information. You can check balances, make payments, view tax records, and handle various tax-related tasks without waiting on hold or mailing forms.
Key Features at Your Fingertips
1. Access Your Tax Records 📋
- View key information from your tax returns, including adjusted gross income
- Access tax transcripts and tax compliance reports
- Check your refund status or track amended returns
- View digital copies of IRS notices
- Monitor audit status for certain mail audits
- View information return documents like Forms W-2 and certain 1099s
2. Make and Manage Payments 💳
- Schedule same-day payments or plan ahead up to 365 days in advance
- Make payments directly from your bank account
- View up to 5 years of payment history
- Track pending and scheduled payments
- Cancel scheduled payments before their due date
- Make payments without logging in through the guest payment option
3. Payment Plan Options 📅
- View details of existing payment plans
- Apply for new installment agreements
- Revise your payment plan (change amounts, due dates, bank information)
- Set up payment plans for current tax year obligations
- Convert short-term plans to monthly payments
4. View Your Balance 💰
See what you owe to the IRS, broken down by tax year.
5. Manage Your Profile ⚙️
- Go paperless for select IRS notices and receive email notifications (some notices are legally required to be mailed)
- Get alerts for new account activity
- Obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to safeguard against tax-related identity theft
- Update your email address and notice preferences
6. Authorize Your Tax Professional 🤝
View and approve Power of Attorney and Tax Information Authorization requests from your tax professional; all electronically.
Why Use the IRS Online Account?
Convenience 🕐 Access your information anytime, anywhere – no need to wait for business hours or navigate phone call menus or wait time.
Speed ⚡ Immediate access to transcripts, payment confirmations, and account information instead of waiting for mail.
Security 🔒 Protected with robust identity verification, including photo ID requirements for new users.
Real-time updates 📊 Current balances, payments, and notices available instantly.
Paperless option 🌱 Opt for digital notices and email notifications.
Getting Started
To create your IRS Online Account:
- Visit IRS.gov and click “Sign in or create account”
- Have photo identification ready
- Complete the identity verification process
- Access your account immediately
Important Things to Know
📱 Accessibility: There are some compatibility issues with certain assistive technologies. The IRS provides an accessibility guide if you use a screen reader, screen magnifier, or voice command software.
🌍 International Taxpayers: The service is available to individual taxpayers with international addresses, though identity verification may present additional challenges for those living abroad.
👥 Joint Filers: If you file jointly, both spouses can see information from joint returns in their respective accounts. Each spouse needs their own login credentials.
🔐 Security Note: Only the taxpayer should log into their account. Never share your credentials. Tax professionals can access your information through authorized methods like Power of Attorney or Tax Information Authorization.
What You Won’t Find
Business tax information: The Online Account is designed for individual taxpayers who primarily file Form 1040. Business owners should use the Business Tax Account instead.
All IRS notices: Not all notices are available online. Some notices are legally required to be mailed and will only arrive by postal mail.
Tax filing or tax law interpretation: The Online Account does not replace the need to file tax returns or provide tax law guidance.
Customer service access to your account: IRS customer service representatives cannot access your online account and don’t have the same view you see when logged in. For account-specific questions, the information in your online account is your most current source.
Additional Capabilities
- Verify IRS receipt of payments
- Compare tax records to filed returns
- View notices immediately when issued
- Manage payment plans and account changes
- Access information year-round
Getting Help
If you encounter issues or have questions about your account:
- Review the comprehensive FAQ page on IRS.gov
The Bottom Line
The IRS Online Account provides free, secure access to your tax information 24/7. Setup takes a few minutes and requires photo ID for verification.
For more details and to create your account, visit: IRS Online Account for Individuals
