Set Up Your IRS.gov Online Account Now (Before You Really Need It)
If there is one “future you will thank you” task we recommend every tax season, it is this: set up your IRS.gov Online Account before something goes wrong.
When you are missing a W-2, need a transcript for a lender, cannot remember last year’s AGI, or you receive an IRS notice in the mail, having your IRS account already created can save you days (and sometimes weeks) of waiting and frustration.
The catch is that getting in is not always instant. The IRS uses ID.me for identity verification, and the setup can take longer than people expect. Doing it on a calm day in January or February is much easier than trying to do it when you are under a deadline.
What is an IRS Online Account?
Your IRS Online Account is a secure portal where you can access key information about your federal tax account.
According to the IRS, an online account can help you view your tax records, check refund status, view digital notices, see your payment history, access transcripts, and even view available information return documents like Forms W-2 and certain 1099s.
To get started, you can use the IRS’s Online account for individuals page to sign in or create your account.
Why having an IRS account helps during tax season
1) You can pull transcripts without phone wait times
If you are missing tax documents, the IRS transcript tools can help you fill in gaps or confirm amounts.
The IRS explains that you can access your tax records and transcripts through your online account, including transcripts and other tax record information. If you cannot access it online, you can request transcripts by mail, which the IRS says generally arrive in 5 to 10 calendar days.
That is exactly why setting up the online account early matters. When you need information quickly, waiting for mailed transcripts is not ideal.
If you want to see what is available and how to request it, the IRS overview page Get your tax records and transcripts lays out the options.
2) It helps when you are missing a W-2 or certain 1099s
This is a very common real-world scenario: you changed addresses, an employer portal locks you out, or a tax form never shows up.
The IRS notes your online account may include available information return documents, such as W-2s and certain 1099s, which can be extremely helpful when you are trying to finish your return accurately.
Important note: not every document shows up immediately, and availability can vary. But having your access set up ahead of time keeps you from scrambling.
3) You can check on IRS letters and account activity
Many taxpayers receive a letter and do not know whether they should respond, whether it is a scam, or what the IRS is asking for.
The IRS says your online account can show digital notices and can help you monitor account activity.
Even when an issue still requires a formal response by mail, being able to log in and confirm what is happening can reduce a lot of stress.
4) It can help you make payments, set up plans, and protect your identity
Beyond transcripts, the IRS lists features like:
viewing balances by year
scheduling payments
viewing payment history
applying for payment plans
requesting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
If you ever need these tools, it is better to have your account ready before you are in a hurry.
The part most people do not expect: ID.me setup can take time
To access many IRS online tools, you will verify your identity through ID.me. The IRS has described this process as requiring a photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) and a selfie using a smartphone or a computer with a webcam.
This step is exactly why we recommend setting up your account early. If you wait until the day you need a transcript or you have a deadline, you may end up stuck in verification when you least have time for it.
If you want the IRS’s official overview of the sign-in and identity verification process, you can read New identity verification process to access certain IRS online tools and services.
What you should have ready before you start
To make the process smoother, have these ready first:
A valid email address you can access right now
Your mobile phone (for multi-factor authentication)
A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
A smartphone or computer with a camera (for the selfie portion of verification)
Pro tip: if your ID is expired, damaged, or your phone camera is not working well, you may want to handle that first. Those are common reasons verification takes longer.
A simple step-by-step: how to set up your IRS Online Account
Go to the IRS Online account for individuals page and choose “Sign in or create account.”
Follow the ID.me prompts to verify your identity (ID upload and selfie).
Turn on multi-factor authentication and save your login method somewhere secure.
After you are in, click around and confirm you can access your tax records so you know where things are before you need them.
When should you use your IRS account versus calling the IRS?
In general, your IRS online account is a good first stop when you need to:
Check your balance, payments, or basic account information
Retrieve transcripts
See whether any digital notices are posted
Confirm identity-protection tools like an IP PIN
Calling the IRS can still be necessary in some situations, but having your online account set up often reduces how often you have to call in the first place.
Want help pulling transcripts or handling an IRS notice?
If you are missing forms, you received an IRS letter, or you are not sure what the IRS is asking for, we can help you understand what is happening and what the next step should be.
You can learn more about our tax services, start securely through our new client process, or schedule a consultation if you want to talk through your situation first.
Quick disclaimer
This post is general information and not individual tax advice. Your facts matter, especially for transcript use, identity verification issues, and IRS notices.
