NTA BLOG: WHY YOU NEED AN IRS INDIVIDUAL ONLINE ACCOUNT

ERIN COLLINS, NATIONAL TAXPAYER ADVOCATE

Over the last year, the IRS has added new features and tools to Individual Online Account that can help taxpayers during this filing season. You should consider signing up for your IRS online account as you prepare to file your tax return.

Why wait on hold when you have faster options? Filing season is the busiest season for the IRS, with calls to IRS customer service lines reaching the highest volumes seen all year. With an online account, you may find the information you need any time without having to call the IRS. Currently, once you sign up for an online account, you can:

• Access tax records – view key data from your previously filed tax return, including your adjusted gross income; access transcripts of your account; view Economic Impact Payment information; view advanced Child Tax Credit information; view digital copies of certain notices from the IRS.
• Make and view payments – make payments from your bank account or by debit/credit card; view five years of payment history; schedule and cancel future payments; view pending and scheduled payments.
• View or create payment plans – apply for a payment plan; view and revise existing payment plans.
• View your balance – view amount owed, including a breakdown by tax year.
• Manage communication preferences – go paperless for certain notices and get email notifications for new account information or activity.
• View tax professional authorizations – view any authorization requests from tax professionals and electronically sign a Power of Attorney or Tax Information Authorization from your tax professional.
• Get virtual assistance – ask balance due and payment-related questions.

The IRS is continuously adding new functionality and features to online accounts.

How to Open an Account

It’s easy to sign up for an online account. Visit the Your Online Account page and click the Sign in to your Online Account button.

Select Create an Account to begin the identity verification process, which is facilitated by a technology provider, ID.me.

This self-service identity verification process involves uploading personal identification, taking a video selfie, and providing other personal identifying information, a process that typically takes five to ten minutes. Or, if you prefer, you can verify your identity with a live video call with an ID.me agent. This option also typically takes five to ten minutes to complete, in addition to your hold time for an available agent. If you prefer to verify your identity with a video call but don’t wait to wait on hold, you can schedule an appointment for a day and time that works for you. Visit the ID.me Help Center for more information.