How to Check Your IRS Account Online

Access your IRS tax account online to view payment history, refund status, and balance owed using secure login credentials.

  1. Go to IRS.gov and locate the login portal. Visit irs.gov and look for the section labeled "View Your Tax Account" or "Get Transcript." The IRS maintains a secure login area separate from general website content. Bookmark this page so you don't accidentally use a phishing lookalike site.
  2. Choose your authentication method. The IRS offers multiple ways to verify who you are: create an IRS online account, use your existing login.gov credentials, or authenticate through a partner service (such as a bank or tax software you already use). Pick whichever you already have set up—you don't need multiple logins.
  3. Provide your identity information. You'll answer security questions or provide personal details (SSN, filing status, adjusted gross income from your most recent return). This step confirms you're the account owner. Have your most recent tax return handy to speed this up.
  4. Review your tax account dashboard. Once logged in, you'll see your filing status, payment history, refund status (if a return is pending), and any balance owed. The dashboard updates regularly but not in real time—allow 24 hours for recent transactions to appear.
  5. Download or print transcripts if needed. From your account, you can pull tax transcripts (records of what you filed) or account transcripts (what the IRS has on record about payments and adjustments). Use these for loan applications, proof of income, or your own records. Most download instantly.
  6. Set up alerts or payment plans if you owe. If you see a balance due, the portal lets you set up a payment or review payment plan options. You can also check the reason for the balance and any notices the IRS has sent. Act quickly if a notice shows a deadline.