Online account for individuals – Frequently asked questions

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Find answers to your questions about your online account:

General

How can I update my email and mailing address? (updated Sept. 13, 2022)

Through the Profile Page within your online account, you can update your email address and opt-out/in for paper notice preferences. To change/update your mailing address, you can submit Form 8822 PDF by mail or get more information on address changes.

Can an IRS customer service representative access my online account?

IRS customer service representatives can't access your online account. They also don't have the same view as what is shown in online account.

Where can I find information about filing a tax return or answers to tax law questions?

For additional information about filing, see tax information for individuals. For tax law questions specific to your individual circumstances, see the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA).

Is chat assistance available? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

Currently, only taxpayers with a balance due will have access to the chat function. It will be expanded to additional users at a later date.

Does online account exist for business taxpayers yet? (updated Oct. 3, 2023)

Yes. Learn more or sign in to Business Tax Account.

Is online account available to international taxpayers? (updated Nov. 21, 2022)

Yes. This service can be used by individual taxpayers who have international addresses.

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Account access

I'm unable to access my account with the information I provided. What can I do?

Other ways to find your account information

Can I authorize someone else to access my online account?

No. Only the taxpayer should log into their account. Credentials should never be shared with others.

Why am I getting a message saying that the service is not available after I log into my online account?

You may get a message saying the service in unavailable because of a system failure with our application or an error in retrieving your data. You may still see other options available even if you encounter this situation, such as the Get Transcript button or the Payment Activity tab. The Payment Activity tab currently links to sites, like Direct Pay, Pay by Card and Online Payment Agreement (OPA) which aren't affected by our unavailability.

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Account balances

Will taxpayers receive communication when their installment agreement is satisfied?

We send you a statement when each tax period is paid. We also send an annual statement of installment agreement activity. You can review your account for any current balance and payment history.

Besides income taxes, what other tax liabilities does my online account show?

Online account shows details for any federal tax liability associated with your individual account, such as:

  • Income tax owed on your Form 1040
  • Additional tax owed on your Form 5329, Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (Including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts
  • Shared Responsibility Payment (for tax years 2014 to 2018), which applies if an applicable individual in a tax household lacked minimum essential coverage for any month
  • Trust Fund Recovery Penalty

What if I filed my tax return or paid my taxes late?

If you filed your tax return or paid your taxes late, the IRS may have assessed one or more penalties on your account. In some cases, the IRS will waive the penalties for filing and paying late. However, you’ll need to ask the IRS to do this.

Be prepared to explain to the IRS what issues you faced and why they caused you to file your tax return or pay your taxes late. You should also be prepared to show the IRS you’ve corrected the situation and you won’t have problems filing and paying on time in the future.

Learn more about penalty relief.

I filed a tax return with my spouse and all or part of my refund was applied to a debt that only my spouse owes – what do I do?

You are considered an injured spouse if you filed a joint tax return and your share of the refund was (or will be) applied against a separate past due debt that belongs just to your spouse. The past due amount can be a federal debt, state income tax debt, state unemployment compensation debt, or child or spousal support payments.

Learn more about injured spouse.

What if I owe taxes because my spouse didn’t include income or claimed deductions that I am not entitled to on my joint tax return?

When you file a joint tax return, you and your spouse are each individually responsible for the tax, penalties, and interest that arise even if you later divorce.

If your spouse or former spouse improperly reported deductions or did not report income that you were unaware of, you may be an innocent spouse and may be able to request relief from the liability.

Learn more about Innocent Spouse.

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Payment options and activity

Where can I see the details of my payment plan?

You can see your payment plan details on the home page of your account and also on the payment options page. Information displayed includes the type of plan you have, due date(s) and payment amount(s).

If my online account shows I owe a zero-dollar amount, does this mean I don't owe at all?

It depends. The information we provide is based on the data we have at the time you log into your online account. If the amount shown is zero, then this is correct as of the time you logged in but it can change later if the data changes, such as if there's an adjustment made to your account or your tax return has not yet posted showing the amount owed on that return.

What types of payments can I make through my online account? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

You can make a payment toward an amount you owe, a quarterly estimated tax payment, a payment on a recently filed Amended Return (Form 1040-X), a proposed tax assessment (e.g., CP2000, Notice of Deficiency), or a payment for an extension to file your income tax return (available January – April), an offer in compromise (OIC) application fee or other OIC related payments.

Are there any limits to the amount and number of payments I’m allowed to make through my online account? (added June 15, 2023)

Yes, you can make payments up to 3 times a day and each payment is limited to $9,999,999.99. You will need to return after midnight Eastern time to make additional payments (up to 3 for the day).

Does Online Account provide me with an email confirmation showing that my payment was made? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

Yes, if you make a payment using your online account you can opt to receive an email confirmation. You can also view your pending, processed, scheduled, canceled, and returned payment(s) in your online account under Payment Activity.

If I file a joint tax return, can I see the information for my spouse or make payments on their behalf? (added Dec. 22, 2021)

Joint filers can see their balance, payment and tax records information for any tax returns they filed jointly. For tax years that have not yet been filed, each spouse will see their own information in their account.

  • Estimated tax payments can be made by either spouse but will only show under the spouse who made the payment until a joint return is filed.
  • Economic impact payments were an advance payment, so taxpayers will see their portion of the payment only.

Can I make changes to the payment plan I currently have? (updated June 28, 2021)

You may be able to:

  • Change your monthly payment amount
  • Change your monthly payment due date
  • Convert a short-term plan to monthly payments
  • Convert an existing agreement to a Direct Debit agreement
  • Change the bank routing and account number on a Direct Debit agreement
  • Reinstate after default

Currently, you can make these changes using the Online Payment Agreement tool.

What kind of payment methods are available? (updated Dec. 22, 2021)

Payments can be made through an ACH debit from your checking or savings account or using your debit/credit card. You can choose either of these methods when you log into your online account and select Make a Payment. If you select "Pay by Card" (on an external website) you will be redirected to a different website.

How quickly will payments I made to my account show in my payment activity? (updated Dec. 22, 2021)

Your payments can be seen under the “Payment Activity" tab.

  • Payments from your bank account made through your online account, IRS Direct Pay, your tax software, or your tax preparer show up immediately in your online account.
  • Direct Debit Installment Agreement payments show up approximately four days before they will be withdrawn from your bank account.
  • Debit/credit card payments will appear 1-2 days after your payment date.
  • Check or money order payments may take up to three weeks to appear.

Can the IRS consider accepting only part of what I owe? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

An offer in compromise (OIC) is an agreement between you and the IRS, where the IRS agrees to accept less than the full amount you owe.

Learn more about offer in compromise. Check your OIC Eligibility under Payment Options in your online account to see if you are eligible to submit OIC.

There are two main reasons the IRS may agree to accept less than the full amount you owe:

  • Doubt as to collectability: This means you don’t have enough income or assets to pay your debt in full.
  • Effective tax administration: You can pay your full debt, but it would create an economic hardship, or would be unfair or inequitable.

Another reason the IRS may accept payment of less than the full amount of tax owed is doubt as to liability (that is, you don’t believe you owe the tax, or you don’t believe the amount is correct).

Use the IRS’s Offer-in-Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool to see if you qualify for an OIC.

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Tax records

Does online account show the amount of my economic impact payments?

Yes, online account shows the amounts of your Economic Impact Payments along with help tips and a link to the EIP page on IRS.gov. For more information about these payments, see Economic Impact Payments.

Are there fees associated with downloading/printing my transcripts?

There is no fee to download/print your transcripts. You can access them from your online account, under the “Records and Status” tab.

What’s the difference between a Tax Compliance Report vs. transcript? (added Aug. 5, 2024)

If someone requests a tax compliance check, it’s better to give them a tax compliance report than a transcript. A tax compliance report shows less of your personal information, covers a longer period, and provides the result of a tax check. A tax transcript shows the full details of your tax return (including income, dependents and filing status) and covers only 1 year. Learn more about your tax compliance report.

Can I make a change to a tax return I’ve already filed?

If you filed your tax return and then realize you made a mistake, you may need to amend the return, which may change your tax liability.

Learn more and get help amending a return.

Your tax return can be incorrect or incomplete for many different reasons; from simply forgetting to sign a form to not reporting income or incorrectly calculating a credit. It can also happen because of various errors when filing electronically. Depending on the nature of the error you need to fix and when you realize you need to change your return, there are different ways to fix an incorrect or incomplete return.

Learn more about fixing an incorrect or incomplete return.

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Notices and letters

I received a notice from the IRS. What should I do? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

The IRS sends notices to advise you of tax matters related to your account. If you received a notice in the mail or in your online account, it is important to read it very carefully and to keep a record of it to refer to when addressing your notice.

Learn more about understanding your notice.

You can find digital copies of most IRS notices in your online account, under the ‘Notices and Letters’ section.

What if my notice contains incorrect information? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

Examples of incorrect information:

  • Missing or incorrect payment information
  • Payment applied incorrectly
  • Incorrect or paid in full balance
  • Incorrect installment agreement
  • Reflects a decimal point error (i.e. $225444442.44)

If you need assistance, refer to your notice for the contact information to call and speak with an IRS representative.

Check your online account for balance and payment information.

Check or money order payments may take up to three weeks to appear. Debit or credit card payments will appear 1-2 days after your payment date.

What if my notice doesn't have my current address? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

Request an address update in your online account profile.

If you have questions or need help, you can refer to the contact information provided in the notice.

What if my personal information is displayed incorrectly?

Refer to your notice for the contact information to call and speak with an IRS representative.

What if the notice I received does not belong to me?

Refer to the notice for the contact information to call and speak with an IRS representative.

What if the PDF notice is not readable? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

If you can’t open your PDF or the contact information is unreadable, please visit Understanding your IRS notice or letter. To get details on an IRS notice or letter, search for it by number or topic. You can find the CP number and subject under the “Notices and Letters” section of your online account.  If you couldn’t find what you’re looking for, let us help you.

Are all notices available online? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

No, only select number of notices are available to view or download in your online account. Please continue to check your postal mail for IRS notices.

How do I go paperless? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

You can manage your paperless preference in your online account. Go to your profile and update to go paperless. While you have the option to go paperless for certain notices, some notices are legally required to be mailed.

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Identity theft and fraud

What if the person who prepared my tax return changed my tax return information without my permission?

An IRS notice may alert you to a mistake on your tax return or that it’s being audited. You can verify the information that was processed by the IRS by viewing a transcript of the return to compare it to the return you may have signed or approved. You can access your tax records through your account. If you are the victim of return preparer fraud or misconduct, you will need to demonstrate it to the IRS.

Learn more about preparer issues.

I believe that someone has stolen my identity. What do I need to do? (updated Nov. 14, 2024)

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. You may be unaware that this has happened until you e-file your return and discover that a return already has been filed using your SSN. Or, the IRS may send you a letter saying we have identified a suspicious return using your SSN. Be advised that these situations may also occur for reasons other than identity theft. You can also verify the information that was processed by the IRS by viewing a transcript of the return. You can access your tax records through your online account.

There are several steps you may need to take as outlined in the Taxpayer guide to identity theft.

How do I get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN)?

The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your online account, under your “Profile” page. To learn more about how an IP PIN can protect you from tax-related identity theft, visit Get an identity protection PIN.

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Audit status

I received an audit (examination) to my tax return. What do I need to do? (added Nov. 14, 2024)

If the tax you owe is because of an audit you didn’t know about or were not able to provide any information for, you might be able to ask the IRS to take another look at your records through the audit reconsideration process.

Get help understanding audit reconsideration.

If you have one of the following contact telephone numbers on an audit letter you've received (866-897-0177 or 866-897-0161), you can check the status of your audit in your individual online account, under the ‘Records and Status’ tab. View information about your audit, such as the date the audit started, date letters were issued and the date when the next response is due.

If your audit letter does not have either telephone number above, please contact the “Person to contact” listed at the top of your letter to discuss your audit status.

How do I view the status of my audit? (added Nov. 14, 2024)

You can view the status of your audit in your online account, under the "Records and Status" tab. Correspondence examination audits (audits by mail) are the only audits available in online account at this time. You can view information about your audit status, such as the date the audit started, the date letters were issued and the date when the next response is due.

How current is the information provided for the status of my audit? (added Nov. 14, 2024)

The information is current as of the date accessed.

How often is the status of my audit updated? (added Nov. 14, 2024)

The information is updated based on actions made by you and/or the IRS, e.g. if you’ve sent correspondence and we’ve received it, the system will then be updated. The IRS may have also sent you correspondence that is updated in your status and you have not yet received it yet.

I sent documentation, why is my status not updated? (added Nov. 14, 2024)

The status is updated based on actions made by you and/or the IRS. If you’ve sent documentation, please allow at least two weeks for the system to update.

Why does the system show a letter was sent but I have not received it? (added Nov. 14, 2024)

It could take at least two weeks to receive information that we’ve sent to you.

What if it has been over two weeks and I still haven’t received the letter? (added Nov. 14, 2024)

Verify if your address is correct. If your address has changed, you can update it by submitting Form 8822 PDF by mail or get more information on address changes. You may need to contact the IRS to request a copy of the letter.

If I change my address, will the IRS resend my audit letters? (added Nov. 14, 2024)

Letters will always be sent to the address on file. Letters sent prior to the address change, are not reissued unless they are returned as undeliverable to the IRS. Please call the IRS for any previous letters not received.

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Additional support

How do I find a resolution if the amount I owe is causing a financial hardship, or I have contacted the IRS and have not been able to resolve my tax issue?

If you are having a tax problem that you haven’t been able to resolve on your own, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) may be able to help. As an independent organization within the IRS, TAS protects taxpayers’ rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, and recommends changes that will prevent the problems from happening in the future.

Review the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

You may be eligible for help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, or you believe an IRS procedure just isn't working as it should.

Read more about the kinds of cases TAS works.

TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. If you qualify for help, you will be assigned to one advocate who will be with you at every turn. TAS advocates work with the IRS to get your problems resolved and our services are always free.

To speak to an advocate, call 877-777-4778 or contact your local office.

Find your local TAS office.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) can represent you before the IRS or in court on audits, appeals, tax collection matters, and other tax disputes. Services are provided for free or for a small fee. The LITC assists low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS and provides education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). In order to qualify for assistance from an LITC, generally a taxpayer’s income must be below a certain threshold, and the amount in dispute with the IRS is usually less than $50,000.

Learn more about Low Income Tax Clinics.

Is there any assistance for disaster and emergency relief?

If you’ve been affected by a recent disaster, learn about the most recent tax relief provisions to know your options.

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Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 20-Nov-2024