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Why Every Taxpayer Should Create an IRS Online Account (And How to Get Started)

  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

As more financial and government services move online, having quick, secure access to your tax information has never been more important. The IRS Online Account gives individuals a centralized, convenient way to review tax balances, access documents, make payments, and receive IRS notices directly—without waiting on hold or mailing forms.

Whether you file your taxes with our firm or prepare them yourself, creating an IRS Online Account can save you time, reduce delays, and help protect you from identity‑related issues.

Below, we’ll cover the benefits and provide step‑by‑step instructions on how to set up

your account.

 


Benefits of Having an IRS Online Account

The IRS Online Account gives you a secure dashboard to view or manage nearly everything related to your federal taxes.

 

1. Access Your Tax Records Instantly

You can view key return information, including your adjusted gross income, tax transcripts, and digital notices from the IRS.

 

2. Review Balances and Payment History

Your account displays how much you owe for each tax year and up to five years of payment history, including estimated tax payments.

 

3. Make or Schedule Payments

You can make same‑day bank payments, schedule future payments, or cancel scheduled ones.

 

4. Access Important Forms and Tax Documents

You can view and download Forms W‑2, 1099‑NEC, 1099‑DIV, 1099‑INT, and more for recent tax years under the Records & Status tab.

 

5. Approve Tax Professional Requests

If we need authorization to represent you, you can electronically approve Power of Attorney or Tax Information Authorization requests through your account.  

 

6. Strengthen Your Identity Protection

Taxpayers can request and retrieve an annual Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) directly through their IRS account. This helps prevent fraudulent tax filings in your name.

 

7. Receive IRS Notices Digitally

More than 200 IRS notices are now available electronically, reducing delays and helping you stay updated on your tax status.

 

 How to Create Your IRS Online Account (Step‑by‑Step)

The IRS requires identity verification for security, so have your identification ready.

 

Step 1: Visit the IRS Online Account Page

Go to the official IRS website page for online accounts: https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals [irs.gov]

Click “Sign in” or “Create account.”

 

Step 2: Begin Identity Verification

The IRS uses the secure ID.me service to verify your identity. You can choose:

  • Self‑service verification (upload photo ID + take a live video selfie), or

  • Video chat verification with an ID.me agent.


    The process typically takes 5–10 minutes.

 

Step 3: Provide Required Information

You may be asked to confirm information such as:

  • Your Social Security Number

  • Photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)

  • Phone number

  • Financial records or tax return details for verification

 

Step 4: Set Up Login Credentials

Once verified, you will create:

  • A username

  • A strong password

  • Multi‑factor authentication (text message or app verification)

 

Step 5: Access Your Dashboard

Once logged in, you’ll be able to:

  • View balances, transcripts, and notices

  • Download forms

  • Set up payment plans

  • Authorize your tax professional

  • Request an Identity Protection PIN

All features are accessible from your account homepage.

 

 Tips for Using Your Account Safely

  • Never share your login credentials with anyone, including tax professionals.

  • Ensure you’re using the official IRS website (look for .gov).

  • Enable multi‑factor authentication for added protection.

  • Keep copies of downloaded tax documents in secure storage.

 

 Final Thoughts

Creating an IRS Online Account is one of the simplest ways to stay in control of your tax information. It provides faster access to documents, reduces the chance of delays or errors, and helps protect you from fraud—all from the convenience of your phone or computer.


Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance.

 

 
 
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