This article walks you through the steps required to create an online account with the IRS where you can: View Balances, Make and View Payments, View and Create Payment Plans and Access Tax Records.
1. Go to https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account and click “Sign into or Create an Online Account”. If you’re a new user, have your photo identification ready. More information about identity verification is available on the sign-in page. You only need one ID.me account.
2. Under Create a new account, click the “ID.me Create an Account” button. IRS offers a sign-in option with ID.me, which offers access to IRS online services with a secure account that protects your privacy. ID.me is an account created, maintained, and secured by a technology provider. With an ID.me account, you can access other government partners who also use this sign-in option.
3. Enter email and desired password (save in a secure place).
4. Pass Secure Access authentication. This is a rigorous process to verify the taxpayer’s identity. They must be able to authenticate their identity to continue. The IRS offers multiple ways to verify your identity with ID.me. You can use either a self-service process that requires a photo of a government ID and selfie, or a live call with an ID.me video chat agent that doesn’t require biometric data. Any selfie, video, and/or biometric data will be deleted automatically, except for suspicious or fraudulent activity. If you need help verifying your identity or to submit a support ticket, you can visit the ID.me IRS Help Site
5. Create a profile.
Taxpayers can view information about their account including:
- Their payoff amount, which is updated for the current day
- The balance for each tax year for which they owe taxes
- Their payment history
- Key information from their most current tax return as originally filed
- Payment plan details if they have one
- Digital copies of select IRS notices
- Their address on file
With an online account, taxpayers can also:
- Make a same day payment
- Set up an online payment plan
- Access tax records and transcripts
- Authorize another person to represent them before the IRS or view their tax records
- Approve and electronically sign Power of Attorney and Tax Information Authorization requests from their tax professional
Can I authorize someone else to access my online account?
No. Only the taxpayer should log into their account. Credentials should never be shared with others.
Does Online Account provide me with an email confirmation showing that my payment was made?
Yes, if you make a payment using your online account you can opt to receive an email confirmation. You can also view your pending, processed, scheduled, canceled, and returned payment(s) in your online account under Payment Activity.
Does online account exist for business taxpayers yet?
Yes. Learn more or sign in to Business Tax Account.
Need help setting up an IRS account?
Contact one of our tax experts at (888) 388-1040.
