How to Set Up an IRS Online Account

Checking your balance, downloading transcripts, and setting up a payment plan no longer means waiting on hold for an hour — once you know how to set up an IRS online account, you can do almost all of it yourself in minutes. The catch is the identity verification step, which trips up a lot of first-time users.

To set up an IRS online account, go to IRS.gov, choose “Sign in to your account,” and create or use an ID.me login. You’ll verify your identity with a photo ID and a selfie (or a video call), after which you can view tax records, balances, notices, and payment options.

What is an IRS online account?

An IRS online account is a secure, self-service portal that lets individuals manage their federal tax information directly with the IRS. Instead of calling or mailing the agency, you log in and see your account in real time.

It’s free, official, and run by the IRS at IRS.gov. There are separate account types for individuals, businesses, and tax professionals — this guide focuses on the individual account, which is what most taxpayers need.

The account has become one of the most useful tools the IRS offers, especially when you’re dealing with a notice, a refund delay, or a balance you need to pay down. You can get started on the official IRS Online Account page.

What you can do with an IRS online account

View your balance by tax year, including any penalties and interest.
Access tax records and transcripts, such as your adjusted gross income and wage information (W-2s and certain 1099s).
Make a payment from your bank account, or schedule payments in advance.
Set up or manage a payment plan if you can’t pay in full.
View digital copies of IRS notices and go paperless.
Check the status of a refund or amended return.
Manage authorizations, such as Power of Attorney requests, and approve them online.

If you’ve received a balance-due notice, the account is often the fastest place to confirm the amount and act on it. Having this real-time view of your account also makes year-round tax planning far easier.

What you need before you start

Identity verification is handled through ID.me, a third-party service the IRS uses to confirm you are who you say you are. Gathering everything in advance makes the process far smoother.

A valid email address you can access.
A smartphone or a computer with a webcam (for the selfie/video step).
A government-issued photo ID — typically a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
A phone number registered in your name, which helps confirm your identity faster.

How to set up an IRS online account: step by step

Go to the official site. Visit IRS.gov and select “Sign in to your account.” Always start from IRS.gov directly — never from a link in an unexpected email or text.
Choose to create an account. On the sign-in page, select the option to create a new account. You’ll be directed to ID.me to handle verification.
Create your ID.me login. Enter your email, create a strong password, and confirm your email address. If you already have an ID.me account from another agency, you can reuse it.
Set up multi-factor authentication. Choose a second security method, such as a text code or an authenticator app, to protect your account.
Verify your identity. Upload photos of your government ID and take a selfie so ID.me can match your face to your document. This is the step that confirms you’re the real account holder.
Complete a video call if needed. If automatic verification doesn’t work, ID.me offers a live video chat with a “trusted referee” as an alternative path.
Confirm your Social Security number. Enter your SSN or ITIN so the system can connect your verified identity to your IRS records.
Sign in to the IRS. Once verified, you’ll be returned to IRS.gov and logged in to your individual account dashboard.

Understanding ID.me identity verification

ID.me is a secure digital identity provider the IRS partners with for online verification. The process is designed to stop fraudsters from accessing your tax records, which is why it asks for both a photo ID and a live selfie.

There are generally two paths to verification:

Verification path	How it works	Best for
Self-service	Upload your ID and take a selfie; the system matches them automatically.	Most users with a smartphone and a clear photo ID.
Video chat	A live “trusted referee” verifies your documents on a video call.	Anyone whose documents won’t scan, or who prefers a person.

Both options are free. The video-chat route can involve a wait during busy periods, so allow extra time if you’re verifying close to a deadline.

Troubleshooting common problems

Selfie won’t match: Use good lighting, remove glasses or hats, and make sure your whole face is visible. If it still fails, switch to the video-chat option.
ID won’t scan: Photograph it on a dark, flat surface with no glare, and confirm all four corners are in frame.
No matching phone number: If the system can’t confirm a phone in your name, you can usually still verify with your documents and a selfie.
Locked out: Use the account recovery options through ID.me rather than creating duplicate accounts.
Information mismatch: Make sure the name and details you enter exactly match your tax records and your photo ID.

Keeping your IRS account secure

Your IRS online account holds sensitive financial data, so treat it like online banking. Use a unique, strong password, keep multi-factor authentication switched on, and never share your login.

Be alert to scams: the IRS does not initiate contact by email, text, or social media asking for login credentials or payment by gift card. If a message pressures you to “verify your account” through a link, don’t click it — go directly to IRS.gov instead. Reviewing your account regularly also helps you spot issues early and keep cleaner records of your income and business deductions.

Business taxpayers and tax professionals

The IRS also offers a business tax account for certain entities and dedicated online tools for tax professionals. These provide tailored access to business balances, filings, and authorizations. If you run a business or work with a preparer, ask whether a business account or professional access fits better. Verify current availability and eligibility on the IRS Business Tax Account page, as these tools continue to expand.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to set up an IRS online account?

Yes. Creating an IRS individual online account is completely free, and so is ID.me identity verification, including the video-chat option. The IRS never charges to access your own account. If a website asks you to pay to “create” or “unlock” an IRS account, it isn’t the official IRS.

Do I have to use ID.me?

For the standard online individual account, identity verification currently runs through ID.me. It’s the method the IRS uses to confirm your identity securely. The process requires a photo ID and a selfie, with a live video-chat alternative if automatic verification doesn’t work for you.

What if I don’t have a smartphone?

You can still verify using a computer with a webcam, or by choosing the video-chat path with a trusted referee. If you can’t complete online verification at all, contact the IRS directly to ask about other options for accessing your account information.

Can I see how much I owe in my account?

Yes. Your account shows your balance by tax year, including penalties and interest, along with payment history. You can also make payments or set up a payment plan directly. Always confirm exact amounts and current figures within your account on IRS.gov before paying.

Why does the IRS need a selfie?

The selfie lets ID.me match your live image to your government photo ID, confirming you’re the genuine account holder. This protects your tax records from identity thieves who may have your Social Security number but can’t replicate your face. It’s a security measure, not data the IRS uses for any other purpose.

Book a free consultation

Setting up the account is the easy part — knowing what to do with the information inside it is where a professional saves you time and money. Whether you’re facing a notice, a balance, or a confusing transcript, Tranzesta’s tax team supports US and UK clients through it. Book a free consultation and get clear, confident answers.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax rules and figures change and depend on your situation and tax year. Always verify current IRS figures and consult a qualified tax professional before acting.