For many taxpayers, interacting with the IRS has traditionally meant long wait times on the phone. In recent years, however, the IRS has expanded its digital tools to make tax information easier to access and manage.

One of the most useful of these tools is the IRS Individual Online Account. This secure portal allows taxpayers to view tax records, track balances, make payments, and receive certain IRS notices online – often eliminating the need to call the agency or wait for mailed documents.

For individuals who want better visibility into their tax information year-round, the online account can serve as a convenient central hub.

What the IRS online account allows you to do

Once a taxpayer creates an account through IRS.gov and verifies their identity, the platform provides access to a wide range of information related to their federal taxes.

View your tax records

The portal allows taxpayers to review key details from previously filed returns, including adjusted gross income (AGI) and other return information. Users can also download tax transcripts and wage and income records for multiple tax years.

These records can be helpful when preparing a new return, responding to IRS inquiries, or verifying income for financial applications.

Check your balance and payment history

The account shows how much you currently owe the IRS, broken down by tax year. It also provides a detailed history of past payments and scheduled transactions.

Because the balance updates daily, taxpayers can see the current payoff amount if they plan to pay a balance in full.

Make or schedule tax payments

The online account also makes it easy to submit payments directly from a bank account. Taxpayers can make immediate payments or schedule them in advance, sometimes up to 365 days ahead of the payment date. 

Scheduled payments can also be modified or canceled before they process.

Monitor refund and amended return status

In addition to the well-known “Where’s My Refund?” tool, the online account provides updates related to refunds and amended returns, giving taxpayers a clearer view of how their return is being processed.

Access IRS notices digitally

The IRS has begun delivering many official notices electronically through the online account. Currently, more than 200 types of IRS notices can be viewed through the portal.

Receiving notices digitally can help taxpayers stay organized and review IRS correspondence more quickly.

Request an identity protection PIN

The account also allows users to obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This six-digit code helps prevent criminals from filing fraudulent tax returns using someone else’s Social Security number.

Identity theft related to tax filings remains a concern, so this added layer of protection can provide valuable peace of mind.

Setting up an IRS online account

To protect sensitive tax information, the IRS requires users to verify their identity through ID.me, the agency’s credential service provider. The process generally involves submitting a government-issued photo ID and confirming identity through facial recognition or video verification.

While this step adds a few minutes to the setup process, it helps ensure that only the taxpayer can access the account.

A helpful tool beyond tax season

Many people think about the IRS only when it is time to file a return. However, the IRS Online Account provides year-round access to information that can make managing taxes easier, from confirming payments to retrieving records when needed.

If you have questions about your tax records, payments, or notices you see in your IRS account, please contact our office for personalized guidance.