Managing tax information is easier when you have secure access to the right records. An IRS individual online account allows taxpayers to conveniently view key tax information, make payments, access certain tax records, and manage account details directly through IRS.gov.
Setting up an IRS individual online account before you need it can be a helpful step when preparing for tax season, reviewing prior-year tax information, or confirming payment activity.
Why Set Up an IRS Individual Online Account?
Creating an IRS individual online account gives taxpayers secure access to important information throughout the year. Instead of waiting until tax filing season or searching through old records, taxpayers can review certain information directly from the IRS at any time.
An IRS individual online account allows taxpayers to:
- View tax account balances and payment history
- Access certain tax records and transcripts
- Make or schedule payments
- Apply for or manage payment plans
- Review select IRS notices and letters, when available
- Request and retrieve an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to help protect against identity theft and tax fraud
- Add bank account information for payments and direct deposit refunds
The IRS is continuing efforts to reduce paper check usage for individual taxpayers, making direct deposit information increasingly important. Maintaining current banking information can help taxpayers receive refunds more efficiently.
How to Create an IRS Individual Online Account
To create an IRS individual online account, visit IRS.gov and select “Do More with an IRS Account” from the homepage, or go directly to the IRS account page at: https://www.irs.gov/your-account
From there, select “Sign in to your Online Account” or “Create Account” and follow the prompts.
The IRS uses ID.me to verify taxpayer identities, so taxpayers should be prepared to complete a secure identity verification process. New users may need to provide personal information and a government-issued photo ID during setup. A mobile phone or a computer with a camera may also be required to complete verification.
If you are unsure whether you already have an ID.me account, you can begin the setup process. If an account already exists, ID.me will typically provide options to recover or reset login credentials.
A Helpful Tool During Tax Season and Beyond
An IRS individual online account can be useful well beyond tax filing season. Establishing access in advance may make it easier to retrieve tax information, confirm payments, review balances, or respond to IRS-related questions throughout the year.
As always, taxpayers should use caution when accessing tax information online. Visit IRS.gov directly, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share login credentials with others.
An IRS individual online account can be a valuable tool for managing tax information year-round.
If you have questions about your IRS individual online account, IRS notices, or information needed for your return, please contact your ML&R tax advisor.
