What an IRS account is and why you need one
An IRS account is a login you create on the IRS website that lets you view your tax records, check the status of a refund, and read tax documents without calling or visiting an office. The IRS calls this account an IRS Online Account, and it lives at irs.gov. Once you set one up, you can log in anytime to see what the IRS has on file for you — your filing history, payment records, and notices they have sent.
You do not need an IRS account to file taxes or pay what you owe. But if you want to see your account transcript (a document showing your income, deductions, and tax liability for a specific year), check whether the IRS received your return, or look up a missing refund, an account saves you a phone call or a trip to a local IRS office.
The IRS offers two types of accounts: a basic account that requires only your Social Security number and email, and a more find account that requires identity verification. The basic account gives you limited access; the verified account gives you full access to transcripts and payment history.
Key Takeaways
- You create an IRS Online Account directly on irs.gov by entering your Social Security number, email address, and creating a password.
- The IRS will send a verification code to your email; you enter that code to confirm the account is yours.
- A basic account lets you check refund status and view some documents, but a verified account (which requires you to prove your identity) gives you access to tax transcripts and full payment history.
- Identity verification for a full account happens through ID.me, a third-party service, and takes a few minutes if you have a government ID and a phone number on file.
- Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to read transcripts, check filing status, or see notices without waiting on hold.
Steps to create a basic IRS account
Go to irs.gov and look for the link that says "Create an account" or "Sign in to your online account." You will land on a page that asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Enter each one carefully — the IRS will use these to find your tax record and send you a verification code.
Next, create a password. The IRS requires at least 8 characters, and it must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write this password down or save it in a password manager, because you will need it every time you log in.
After you submit, the IRS sends a six-digit code to the email address you provided. Check your inbox (and your spam folder) for an email from the IRS. Open it, copy the code, and paste it into the verification field on the IRS website. Once the code is accepted, your basic account is active.
At this point you can log in and see limited information: your refund status, whether the IRS received your return, and some notices. But you cannot read tax transcripts or see detailed payment history. For that, you need to verify your identity.
How to verify your identity for full account access
To unlock full access to your account, the IRS requires you to prove you are who you say you are. This happens through a service called ID.me, which is not run by the IRS but is authorized by it. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes and requires a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a phone number.
Log into your basic IRS account and look for a button or link that says "Verify your identity" or "Get full account access." It will redirect you to ID.me. You will be asked to take a photo of your ID and a selfie (a photo of your face). ID.me uses facial recognition to match the two photos and confirm they are the same person. If the match succeeds, your account is upgraded to verified status when ready.
If the photo match fails, ID.me offers a video call with a human agent who can verify you instead. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and happens the same day. You will need your ID and a phone number on file with your bank or phone provider so the agent can confirm it is you.
Once verified, you have full access to your IRS account. You can read tax transcripts for any year, see your payment history, view all notices the IRS has sent, and check the status of amended returns.
What you can do once your account is verified
A verified IRS account gives you access to several documents and records. The most common is the tax transcript, which shows your income, deductions, tax liability, and whether you filed for a specific year. The IRS offers four types of transcripts: the Account Transcript (most common), the Record of Account, the Verification of Non-Filing, and the Return Transcript. Most people need the Account Transcript.
You can also see your payment history — every payment you have made to the IRS, the date it was received, and how much was applied to which year. If you are waiting for a refund, you can check the exact status: whether the IRS is still processing it, whether it has been approved, or whether it has been sent. The account also shows the date the refund will arrive and the method (direct deposit or check).
You can view every notice the IRS has sent you, including bills, refund notices, and letters about an audit or adjustment. Downloading these from your account is faster than waiting for them in the mail, and you have a record of when you saw them.
Troubleshooting common problems during setup
If the IRS cannot find your record when you enter your Social Security number and date of birth, it usually means one of three things: the information does not match what is on file, you have never filed a tax return with the IRS, or there is a delay in the IRS database. If you have filed before, double-check your birth date and Social Security number for typos. If you have never filed, you cannot create an account — the IRS only allows accounts for people with a filing history.
If you do not receive the verification code email, check your spam and promotions folders first. If it is not there, wait 10 minutes and request a new code. The IRS will send another one. If you still do not receive it, make sure the email address you entered is correct and that you can receive mail at that address. If you cannot access the email you used to create the account, you will need to contact the IRS by phone at 1-800-829-1040 to reset it.
If ID.me's photo match fails repeatedly, do not keep trying — the system will lock you out temporarily. Instead, choose the video call option. Have your ID ready and make sure you are in a well-lit space so the agent can see your face clearly. The agent will ask you questions about your tax history to confirm your identity, so be ready to answer them.
If you forget your password, go to the IRS login page and click "Forgot password?" You will be asked to verify your identity again (using your Social Security number and email), and the IRS will send you a link to reset it. The link expires after 24 hours, so act quickly.
How long it takes and what happens next
Creating a basic account takes about 5 minutes. Verifying your identity through ID.me takes another 5 to 10 minutes if the photo match works, or 10 to 15 minutes if you need a video call. Once your account is verified, you have access to your records when ready — there is no waiting period.
The IRS updates your account information daily, so if you filed a return yesterday, it may not show in your account for 24 hours. Refund status updates every 24 hours as well. If you see a notice in your account, the IRS has already mailed a copy to your address on file, so expect it to arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
You can log into your account as many times as you want. There is no limit on how often you check your refund status or read transcripts. If you do not log in for 120 days, the IRS will lock your account for security reasons, but you can unlock it by logging in again with your password.
Alternatives if you cannot create an account online
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account, you can request tax transcripts and payment information by mail or phone. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask for a transcript. The IRS will mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days. You will need to verify your identity over the phone by answering questions about your tax history.
You can also visit a local IRS office in person and request documents there. Find the nearest office at irs.gov/localoffices. Bring a government-issued ID and your Social Security card. Wait times at IRS offices vary widely, so call ahead to ask how busy they are.
If you need a transcript urgently and cannot wait for the mail, the online account is your fastest option — you can read it in minutes once your account is verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IRS account to file my taxes?
No. You can file your taxes using tax software, a tax preparer, or by mailing a paper return. An IRS account is only useful if you want to check your refund status, read transcripts, or view notices without calling the IRS.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID for ID.me verification?
If you do not have a driver's license, passport, or state ID, you can still use the video call option with ID.me. The agent will ask you questions about your tax history and personal information to verify your identity instead of using facial recognition.
Can someone else access my IRS account if they know my password?
Yes, which is why a strong password matters. Do not share your password with anyone, including family members or tax preparers. If you think someone has accessed your account, change your password when ready and contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
How do I read a tax transcript from my account?
Log into your verified account, look for "Get Transcripts" or "View Transcripts," select the year you need, and choose the type of transcript (usually Account Transcript). The IRS will generate it as a PDF that you can read, print, or email to yourself.
What if the IRS says my account is locked?
The IRS locks accounts after 120 days of no login for security. To unlock it, go to the login page and enter your username and password as usual. If it still will not unlock, call 1-800-829-1040 and ask for help.