Your Individual IRS Account, Explained
Review your federal tax information and manage account tasks directly with the IRS. This guide explains what to have ready and where to get help.
Opens the official IRS sign-in page in a new tab. Choose Sign In with ID.me or Create an account with ID.me. All resource links on this page open in a new tab.
For the full feature list, visit IRS Online Account for Individuals.
What You Can Do
- Review balances and payments: see amounts owed by tax year, payment history, and scheduled payments.
- Access tax records: view available transcripts, adjusted gross income, and certain W-2 and 1099 documents.
- Manage payments: make or schedule payments and review or apply for eligible payment-plan options.
- Check account activity: view available notices, refund or amended-return status, obtain an IP PIN, and review tax-professional authorization requests.
Features and records vary. Not every notice or document is available online; continue reviewing your postal mail and records from employers and other payers.
Before You Create an Account
The IRS uses ID.me to verify identity. You must be 18 or older to create an account. Have these ready:
- A personal email address and a strong, unique password.
- A way to complete multifactor authentication, such as an authentication app or text-enabled phone.
- Your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or passport card.
Verification may involve photographing your ID and taking a video selfie, or a video call. Document and device requirements depend on the verification method; additional documents may be requested. Follow the IRS account-creation instructions and ID.me’s IRS verification guidance.
How to Get Started
- Open the official IRS sign-in page using the button above.
- Use your existing ID.me account or create one. You only need one ID.me account; do not create another just for the IRS.
- Secure your account and verify your identity if prompted. Follow the available self-service or video-call instructions.
- Complete the prompts to connect to the IRS and return to your individual account.
Help & Alternatives
- ID.me sign-in and verification help — for passwords, authentication, identity verification, and ID.me account access.
- IRS Online Account FAQs — for account records, balances, notices, and payment questions.
- IRS account accessibility guide — assistance for screen readers, magnifiers, and voice-control software.
- IRS Direct Pay — pay eligible federal taxes from a bank account without an account sign-in.
- IRS tax records and transcripts — review online and mail-request options.
Common Questions
Can my spouse and I share an account?
Each spouse should use their own account. Joint-return balance and payment information may be visible to both, but income documents issued to your spouse are accessed through your spouse’s account. Never share your sign-in credentials.
Does creating an account complete an IRS identity-verification letter?
No. ID.me verification establishes access to IRS services. If the IRS asks you to verify a tax return, follow the instructions in your notice or letter and complete the separate IRS return-verification process.
Does a zero balance mean all my tax obligations are settled?
The balance reflects information available when you sign in. A recently filed return, payment, or adjustment may not yet be reflected. Check your records and the IRS account FAQs if something appears missing.
Continue on the official IRS website in a new tab.
Explore more resources in the CPA at Large Tax Center.
Last reviewed: October 10, 2026. The IRS and ID.me control their services and current requirements. CPA at Large is independent of both. Account sign-in, identity verification, and personal-information entry take place through the official services.