Contributed by: AndyS, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro
Trying to call the IRS, waiting for notices in the mail, or searching for tax information can be incredibly frustrating. Creating an ID.me account solves this by giving you a secure, direct way to access your IRS online account so you can check important information, manage certain tasks, and get answers without starting a phone call. The digital access allows you to check your balance, view payment history, and manage your tax tasks immediately without ever having to wait on hold.
What are the benefits of an ID.me account?
Creating an ID.me account can seem a little intimidating because it asks for personal information and visual verification. That's a fair concern, but for many taxpayers, the convenience is worth it.
You can:
- Check your tax records – see details from past tax returns, including your adjusted gross income, account transcripts, stimulus payment information, and some IRS notices.
- Make or review payments – make a payment from your bank account or with a debit or credit card, review up to five years of payment history, and manage scheduled payments.
- Set up or update a payment plan – apply for a new plan or make changes to one you already have.
- See what you owe – view your balance and see how much is owed for each tax year.
- Choose how the IRS contacts you – take control of your IRS communications by opting for paperless delivery on select notices and signing up for immediate email updates whenever there is new activity or information on your account.
- Review tax professional requests – view requests from your tax professional and sign certain authorization forms electronically.
- Get help online – ask questions about balances and payments without calling the IRS.
- Verify your identity and protection against fraud–respond to a CP5071 series notice by using your ID.me login to verify your identity and help the IRS finish processing your tax return.
What do I need to open an ID.me account?
You'll need a few basic things to sign up for an ID.me account. Before you start, have a personal email address, your Social Security number, and a valid government-issued ID ready. You’ll also need to choose a multifactor authentication option. For the final identity verification steps, you’ll use a phone or tablet.
Once you’re approved, you can open your IRS account!
I have my ID.me account. How do I log into my IRS account?
Once your ID.me account is set up, logging into your IRS online account is easy! Simply visit the IRS website and select to sign into your account. You'll be prompted to enter your ID.me email and password. Provide the multifactor authentication you have set up, and you will gain immediate and secure access to your profile.
While creating an ID.me account may take a few extra minutes upfront, it significantly streamlines your future IRS interactions. Verifying your identity unlocks secure, anytime access, which allows you to review your records, check balances, make payments, and handle certain IRS requests online. If you want quicker access to your tax information and fewer reasons to call the IRS, setting up ID.me is a helpful first step.