Do not give tax-account credentials or identity documents to a site reached through an unsolicited email, text, or social-media message.
Start at the official account page
- Open the IRS Individual Online Account page and select the official sign-in or account-creation link.
- Complete the sign-in provider's current identity-verification steps. The IRS tells new users to have photo identification ready; follow the live screen for the exact evidence requested.
- Review the account name and available tax years before relying on any balance, payment, transcript, or notice.
- Sign out when finished, especially on a shared device.
What the account currently provides
The IRS lists access to balances by tax year, payment activity, selected tax records and transcripts, refund or amended-return status, certain digital notices, and the Identity Protection PIN. It also offers selected payment, payment-plan, authorization, profile, and form-submission functions.
The account does not replace a notice
Read any IRS notice itself and follow its response instructions and due date. Not every notice is available digitally, and account information can change when a return, payment, adjustment, penalty, or interest entry posts.
If you cannot create an account
Use the alternative tied to the task. For example, the IRS offers mail, automated-phone, and Form 4506-T routes for eligible transcripts. Some payments can be made without signing in. Do not send identity documents unless the official process asks for them.
Joint-return limitation
Joint filers can see information for returns filed jointly. For a tax year not yet filed, each spouse sees their own information. Each person should use their own credentials.