An Online IRS Account Can Make Tax Time So Much Easier. Here’s How to Create One

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IRS Online Accounts: Your Secret Weapon for Stress-Free Tax Season 2026

Tax season is officially in full swing, and if you haven’t filed your 2025 tax return yet, there’s no time like the present to get started. But before you dive into the paperwork, there’s one crucial step you should take: create your own IRS online account. This digital tool is a game-changer for taxpayers, offering a wealth of benefits and making the entire tax filing process smoother and more efficient. Let’s dive into why you need an IRS online account and how to set one up.

Why You Absolutely Need an IRS Online Account in 2026

Creating an online account with the IRS is like unlocking a treasure trove of tax information. It’s your personal portal to all things tax-related, giving you instant access to crucial data that can make or break your filing experience. Here’s what you’ll gain:

1. Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at Your Fingertips: No more digging through old paperwork or trying to remember last year’s numbers. Your AGI is readily available, making it easier to file your current taxes accurately.

2. Complete Tax Return History: Access details of your latest tax return and even view returns from previous years. This historical data can be invaluable for spotting trends or discrepancies.

3. Payment History: Keep track of your tax payments for the past five years. This feature is particularly useful for those who make quarterly estimated tax payments.

4. Real-Time Tax Owed Information: Know exactly how much you owe (or how much you’re getting back) without waiting for snail mail or making a phone call.

5. Digital IRS Notices: Go paperless and receive important IRS notices directly in your online account.

6. Tax Professional Authorizations: Easily manage who has access to your tax information, giving you control over your financial privacy.

7. Instant Tax Record Downloads: Need a transcript of your past tax returns or wage and income statements? Download them instantly without waiting for the mail.

8. Identity Protection PIN: Add an extra layer of security to your tax records with an Identity Protection PIN, helping to prevent identity theft.

The Smart Taxpayer’s Strategy: Create Your Account Now

Tax experts unanimously agree: creating an IRS online account is a smart move, even if you’re not planning to file immediately. Why? Because it’s all about being prepared. Having your account set up before you encounter any tax issues means you won’t be scrambling to register during a stressful situation. It’s the difference between being proactive and reactive – and in the world of taxes, proactive always wins.

What You’ll Need to Create Your IRS Online Account

Before you start the registration process, gather these essential items:

1. A valid email address
2. Your current mailing address
3. A US passport, passport card, or state driver’s license
4. Your Social Security number or tax identification number
5. A mobile phone registered to you

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your IRS Online Account

1. Start at the Source: Visit the Your Account Online page on the IRS website.

2. Click to Begin: Look for the blue “Sign in or create account” button and give it a click.

3. Choose Your Path: You’ll be redirected to a page where you can log in to an existing ID.me account or IRS account, or sign up for a new ID.me account. ID.me is now a required third-party identification service for all IRS accounts.

4. ID.me Registration: This step should take about five minutes. You’ll need to provide photos or scans of your ID document. Click the green “Create an account” button to proceed.

5. Enter Your Details: On the ID.me page, input your email address and choose a strong password.

6. Confirm Your Email: Check your inbox for a confirmation email from ID.me and click the verification link.

7. Set Up Multifactor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security by enabling multifactor authentication with your mobile phone.

8. Choose Your ID Verification Method: You have two options:

   • Self-Service with “Video Selfie”: Take and upload a video selfie for facial recognition.
   • Video Chat with an ID.me Agent: Opt for a live video chat interview instead of the automated facial recognition.

9. Upload Your ID: Provide clear pictures of your chosen identification document.

10. Complete the Video Selfie or Video Chat: Depending on your chosen method, either take the video selfie or wait for your scheduled video chat interview.

11. Enter Your Social Security Number: This is the final piece of personal information needed to verify your identity.

12. Authorize IRS Access: Give the IRS permission to access your ID.me verification information.

13. Congratulations!: Your online IRS account is now active and ready to use.

Understanding ID.me’s Role in IRS Verification

ID.me isn’t just some random third-party service – it’s a crucial player in the world of government and business verification. The company works with various government agencies, including the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as 50 state government agencies, primarily for unemployment benefits.

ID.me uses a technology partner called Paravision to manage the facial recognition aspect of its identity verification process. This partnership ensures a high level of security and accuracy in verifying your identity.

The Evolution of IRS Online Accounts

The IRS began using ID.me for identity verification as a pilot program in 2017 and has since expanded it to encompass all new accounts. Legacy IRS users who created online accounts before the implementation of ID.me will now need to register with ID.me to continue using IRS services online.

In early 2022, ID.me and the IRS faced criticism for the mandatory video selfie, which involved facial recognition technology. In response to concerns about privacy and data collection, the IRS announced in February 2022 that taxpayers would have the option of a “video chat interview” instead of the automated facial recognition step. This decision now comes early in the IRS account sign-up process, giving users more control over their verification method.

IRS Online Accounts for Businesses

It’s not just individuals who can benefit from online IRS accounts – businesses can too! In October 2023, the IRS launched the first phase of its business accounts via its online portal. Initially, these accounts were available to sole proprietors who file taxes with employer identification numbers and partners or shareholders who have schedule K-1 from the years 2019-2022.

The agency expanded business accounts in December 2023 to include “individual partners of partnerships and individual shareholders of S corporation businesses.” In December 2024, the IRS announced even more new features for online business accounts, including Spanish language support.

Business accounts with the IRS provide many of the same services as personal accounts, such as viewing tax history, making payments, and authorizing tax preparers. However, the specifics of your business tax account depend on your type of business and your role within it.

Business owners can also make payments or schedule estimated payments online using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

Conclusion: Your IRS Online Account is Your Tax Season Superpower

Creating an IRS online account is more than just a convenience – it’s a powerful tool that puts you in control of your tax information. From instant access to your AGI to the ability to download tax records at a moment’s notice, this digital resource can significantly reduce the stress and confusion often associated with tax season.

By setting up your account now, you’re not just preparing for this year’s taxes – you’re investing in your financial future. You’ll have a secure, centralized location for all your tax information, making it easier to plan, file, and manage your taxes year after year.

So don’t wait – take control of your tax destiny today by creating your IRS online account. Your future self will thank you when tax season rolls around!

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