Managing your tax information has become significantly easier in today’s digital world. To help reduce long phone wait times and delays with mailed correspondence, the IRS created secure online accounts that allow taxpayers to access key information anytime, anywhere.

With an IRS online account, you can view your tax transcripts and payment history, check your account balance, receive important IRS notices, make payments, set up payment plans, and update personal information without the delays associated with paper mail. As more services move online, having an IRS Online Account is an essential tool for staying organized and in control of your tax filings.

The IRS launched online accounts in November 2016, providing basic self-service access to basic tax information. Since then, the program has expanded significantly. Today, you can view and make estimated payments, check your refund status, get digital copies of notices from the IRS, establish payment plans, get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) and more.

As part of these enhancements, the IRS strengthened security features, most notably by integrating the identity-verification service “ID.me.” Beginning in 2021, individuals creating new IRS online accounts (and many existing users) are required to verify their identity using “ID.me.” This system is also used by other federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Follow these steps to set up the ID.me credentials you will use to access your IRS Online Account:

  1. Start at the IRS website (www.irs.gov):
    • Visit the IRS online services page and select the option to sign in or create an account using ID.me.
  2. Create your account:
    • Choose “Create an ID.me account,” then enter a valid personal email address and create a strong password. You will receive a confirmation email to verify your email address.
  3. Verify your identity:
    • ID verification is required to securely access IRS tools. You will need to provide:
      • A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
      • A short video selfie taken with your smartphone or webcam or alternatively complete a live video chat with an ID.me representative.
      • Personal information such as your name, Social Security number or ITIN, and address.
  4. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA):
    • MFA adds an additional layer of protection to your account each time you sign in.

Once you have completed verification, you can use your ID.me account credentials to access IRS online accounts and services, as well as multiple federal agencies’ services that accept ID.me for identity verification, avoiding the need to create multiple accounts or remember different passwords.

For more information or assistance in creating an online account, please email cara@mwbpc.com.