How to Set Up Your IRS.gov Online Account — And Why It Matters

How to Set Up Your IRS.gov Online Account — And Why It Matters

Your IRS Online Account is your personal gateway to federal tax records, balances, and payments — all in one secure place.

Why You Should Have an IRS Online Account

With an IRS Online Account, you can:

  • Check your balance and view payment history.
  • View and download tax transcripts.
  • Get digital copies of IRS notices and letters.
  • Make and schedule tax payments.
  • Update your mailing address with the IRS.
  • See which tax professionals are authorized to represent you.
  • Find details on past Economic Impact Payments and Advance Child Tax Credit payments.

How the IRS Verifies Your Identity (ID.me)

The IRS uses a trusted third-party service called ID.me to confirm your identity before you can access your account. This keeps your tax data secure.

                                    

When you create your account, ID.me will ask you to verify your identity using one of two methods:
  • Self-service verification: Upload a photo of your driver’s license, state ID, or passport, and take a selfie that matches the ID photo.
  • Live video call: Meet with a trained ID.me representative who checks your ID over a secure video chat.

What you’ll need for ID.me verification:

  • A government-issued photo ID.
  • Social Security number.
  • Smartphone or computer with a camera.
  • Email address you can access during setup.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your IRS Online Account

  1. Visit the IRS Online Account page: irs.gov/payments/your-online-account. 
  2. Click Sign in to Your Online Account.
  3. Choose Create an account with ID.me.
  4. Follow the prompts to:
    • Enter your name, email, and create a password.
    • Set up multi-factor authentication (text, phone call, or app).
    • Upload your ID and complete the selfie or video call verification.
  5. Once verified, you’ll be redirected to IRS.gov where you can start using your account.
Pro Tip: If you’ve already created an ID.me account for another government agency, you can use the same login for IRS.gov — no need to re-verify.

Having Trouble?

  • If ID.me can’t verify you automatically, select the video call option.
  • For login or verification issues, contact ID.me support — the IRS can’t reset your ID.me account.

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