The short answer
Your IRS online account lets you see what the IRS has on record for you: your tax records and transcripts, your refund status, what you owe, your payments and digital copies of IRS notices. To sign in you need an ID.me account, which takes two steps: set up the account, then verify your identity once. You'll need your Social Security number or ITIN, a government photo ID and a phone or computer with a camera. We suggest every client set one up before they need it.
Why we recommend it
- You can check that your return was received. Now and then a return that was supposed to be e-filed never reaches the IRS, and nobody finds out until a letter arrives. Your online account shows your tax records and the status of your refund, so you can check for yourself.
- You see IRS letters sooner. The account shows digital copies of many IRS notices, and you can sign up for email alerts when something new is posted.
- It speeds up getting help. When we represent you, the IRS needs your authorization first. You can approve and electronically sign a power of attorney from your tax professional right in your online account, instead of waiting on paper forms.
What you'll need
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- A valid government photo ID: a driver's license, state ID, passport or passport card
- A personal email address and a password of at least 8 characters
- A smartphone or a computer with a webcam, to take a selfie
- You must be 18 or older
Want help reading what's in your account? Bring it up on your phone at your appointment and we'll go through it with you.
Related service: IRS Letters & Tax Resolution in Shelby
How to set it up
- 1.Go to IRS.gov and choose Your account, then Individual.
- 2.Select Sign in or create account, and follow the steps to create an ID.me account.
- 3.Verify your identity. ID.me asks for a photo of your ID and a selfie. If that doesn't work for you, you can choose the video chat agent option instead.
- 4.You only verify once. After that, the same ID.me sign-in works for most IRS accounts and services.
Not sure if you already have an ID.me account? Try to create a new one: ID.me will tell you if one already exists, and you can reset the password.
What you can see and do
| In your account | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Tax records and transcripts | What it tells youKey numbers from your filed return (including your adjusted gross income), and transcripts you can view, print or download |
| Refund status | What it tells youWhere your refund or amended return stands |
| Balance | What it tells youWhat you owe the IRS, by tax year |
| Payments | What it tells youMake a payment, schedule one up to 365 days ahead, and see up to 5 years of payment history, including estimated tax payments |
| Payment plans | What it tells youView your plan or apply for a new one |
| Notices | What it tells youDigital copies of many IRS notices, and email alerts for new activity |
| IP PIN | What it tells youGet your Identity Protection PIN |
| Authorizations | What it tells youApprove and e-sign a power of attorney from your tax professional |
Reading your transcripts
- A tax return transcript shows most lines from your return as you filed it. It covers the current and three prior years, and it's usually what a mortgage lender asks for.
- A tax account transcript shows your filing status, taxable income, payments and any changes made after you filed. Online, it covers the current and nine prior years.
- A wage and income transcript lists the W-2s, 1099s and similar forms the IRS received for you. If it says "No record of return filed" for the current year, the information may not have posted yet, so check back later.
Can't sign in? You can get a tax return or tax account transcript by mail through Get Transcript by Mail or by calling 800-908-9946. It arrives in 5 to 10 calendar days.
Keep your account safe
- Never share your sign-in with anyone, including your tax preparer. Only you should sign in to your account.
- The IRS does not call, email or text you asking you to sign in or send personal information. If that happens, it's a scam.
- IRS phone representatives can't see your online account, so don't expect them to walk you through it.
Official sources
- IRS, Creating an account for IRS.gov
- IRS, Online account for individuals
- IRS, Online account for individuals FAQs
- IRS, Get your tax record
- IRS, Transcript types for individuals
This guide is general information, not advice for your situation. Tax rules change; check with us or the official source before acting.