What an IRS account is and why you need one

An IRS account is a login you create on the IRS website that lets you see your tax records without calling or visiting an office. Once you log in, you can view what the IRS has on file about you — your filing history, payment history, and the refunds or amounts you owe. You do not need an account to file taxes or pay what you owe, but having one saves time if you need to check something or respond to a notice.

The IRS calls this account an IRS Online Account, and it is free. You create it at IRS.gov using your Social Security number, email address, and some information from your tax return or financial records. The whole process takes about 10 minutes if you have the right documents in front of you.

Key Takeaways

  • You create an IRS Online Account at IRS.gov using your Social Security number and email address, and it is free.
  • The IRS will ask you to prove your identity by answering questions about your past or by uploading a photo ID and a selfie.
  • Once you log in, you can see your filing history, payment history, refund status, and any balance you owe.
  • You can create an account even if you have not filed a recent tax return, as long as you have a Social Security number and a valid email address.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to IRS.gov to create your account. You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address that you check regularly, and a phone number where the IRS can reach you if needed. The IRS will also ask you to prove who you are, and the way you do that depends on which identity verification method you choose.

If you choose the photo ID method, have a government-issued ID ready — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to take a selfie (a photo of your face) using your phone or computer camera. If you choose the security questions method instead, the IRS will ask you about past financial accounts, addresses you have lived at, or information from your tax returns. Either way, you should have your most recent tax return nearby so you can answer questions about it if needed.

Step-by-step: creating your account

Go to IRS.gov and look for the link that says "Create an account" or "Sign in to your Online Account." You will land on a page that asks for your email address and a password you create. Make the password at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (like ! or #). Write it down somewhere safe.

After you create your password, the IRS will ask you to verify your email address. Check the inbox of the email you just entered and click the link in the message from the IRS. This step confirms that you own that email address. Then you will come back to IRS.gov and choose how you want to prove your identity — either with a photo ID or by answering security questions about your financial history.

If you choose the photo ID route, you will use your phone or computer camera to take a clear photo of the front and back of your ID, then take a selfie. The IRS checks these against government records. If you choose the security questions route, answer the questions as accurately as you can. The IRS pulls these questions from credit reports and past tax filings, so the answers need to match what is on file. Once you pass either verification, you will be logged into your account.

What to do if identity verification fails

If the IRS rejects your photo ID or your answers to the security questions, you will see a message telling you verification did not work. Do not try again when ready — wait a day or two. Sometimes the system needs time to process, or the photo quality was not clear enough. When you try again, make sure your ID photo shows your face clearly and that you are answering security questions based on information that was actually on file with the IRS or a credit bureau.

If you keep getting rejected, you have another option: the IRS can verify your identity by mail. You will need to print a form, sign it, and mail it to an IRS address. This takes longer — usually two to four weeks — but it works if the online methods do not. When you see the rejection message, look for a link that says "verify by mail" or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask for the form.

What you can see once you are logged in

Your IRS Online Account shows you several things at a glance. You can see your filing status — whether the IRS has received your most recent return and whether it has been processed. You can check your payment history, which lists every payment you have made to the IRS and when it arrived. You can see your refund status if you are expecting money back, including the date the IRS expects to send it. You can also see any balance due — money you still owe — and set up a payment plan if you need one.

The account also shows you any notices the IRS has sent you. If the IRS thinks you owe more tax, or if there is a problem with your return, they will post a notice in your account. You can read it there without waiting for mail to arrive. Some notices let you respond directly through your account, which is faster than mailing a response back.

Keeping your account find

Once you have created your account, treat your password like you would treat a password for your bank. Do not share it with anyone, do not write it on a sticky note on your desk, and do not use the same password for your IRS account that you use for other websites. If you think someone else knows your password, change it right away by logging in and going to the settings or security section of your account.

The IRS will never ask you for your password by email or phone. If you get a message claiming to be from the IRS and asking for your password or Social Security number, it is a scam. Delete it or hang up. The real IRS will only ask for sensitive information if you call them or visit in person, and even then they will verify who you are first.

What to do if you forget your password

If you forget your password, go to IRS.gov and look for the "Sign in" button. Below the login boxes, you will see a link that says "Forgot password?" or "Need help signing in?" Click that and enter your email address. The IRS will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in your email, create a new password, and you will be back in your account.

If you do not remember the email address you used to create the account, or if you do not have access to that email anymore, you will need to create a new account with a different email address. The IRS will let you do this, and you will go through the identity verification process again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IRS account if I file my taxes through a tax software or a tax preparer?

No, you do not need one to file. But having an account is useful because you can check whether the IRS received your return and when your refund will arrive, without calling or waiting for mail. Your tax preparer can also see some of this information, but your own account gives you direct access.

Can I create an IRS account if I have not filed taxes in several years?

Yes. You can create an account with just your Social Security number and email address. The IRS will verify your identity, and once you are in, you will see any tax records they have on file for you — even if they are old. If you owe back taxes, your account will show that too.

What if the IRS says my identity cannot be verified online?

You can request verification by mail instead. The IRS will send you a form to sign and return. This takes two to four weeks, but it works if the online photo ID or security question methods do not. Ask for the mail verification option when you see the rejection message, or call 1-800-829-1040.

Is my information safe in an IRS Online Account?

The IRS uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to what banks use. Your information is safer in your account than it is in an email or a paper letter. Just make sure you use a strong password and do not share it with anyone.

Can I use my IRS account to file my taxes?

No. Your IRS Online Account lets you view your records and manage existing filings, but you cannot file a new return through it. You file taxes using tax software, a tax preparer, or by mailing a paper form to the IRS.