We highly recommend you create an IRS Online Account. If filing a joint return your spouse should also create an Online Account. When creating the Online Account you will be asked to first create an ID.me account, which is an identity verification service required by multiple federal government agencies (IRS, SSA, etc.) for accessing their online services.
Access the Online Account here (once on the page click the “Sign in to your online account” button. This will take you to the sign in page where you can sign up for the account).
Once created you can use the Online Account to:
Access tax records
- View key data from your most recently filed tax return, including your adjusted gross income, and access transcripts or tax compliance report
- Check your refund
- View digital copies of certain notices from the IRS
- View information about your Economic Impact payments
- View information about your advance Child Tax Credit payments
- View your audit status (currently available for certain audits conducted by mail)
Make and view payments
- Make a payment from your bank account or by debit/credit card
- View 5 years of payment history, including your estimated tax payments
- Schedule and cancel future payments
- View pending and scheduled payments
View or create payment plans
- Learn about payment plan options and apply for a new payment plan
- View and revise details of your existing payment plan
View your balance
- View the amount you owe and a breakdown by tax year
Manage your profile preferences
- Go paperless for certain notices
- Get email notifications for new account information or activity
- Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
View tax professional authorizations
- View any authorization requests from tax professionals
- Approve and electronically sign Power of Attorney and tax information authorization from your tax professional
Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
An identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps the IRS verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. In previous years IP PINs were primarily issued to victims of identity theft. Now all individuals are allowed to request an IP PIN.
If you don’t already have an IP PIN, you may request an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.
How to get an IP PIN
- The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your Online Account. If you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you must register to validate your identity.
- Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity verification process.
- Once you have opted in and obtained an IP PIN online, you will need to retrieve your IP PIN online each calendar year.
- The IP PIN is generally available in your online account starting in mid-January through mid-November.
If you, your spouse, and/or dependents have obtained an IP PIN, please provide them to your tax preparer. The preparer will need to add them to the return in order to e-file.