Getting into your IRS account on IRS.gov

You can log into IRS.gov using either an IRS username and password you create yourself, or by using a third-party account like Google, Apple ID, or Microsoft. The IRS does not send you a username automatically — you set one up the first time you visit. Once logged in, you can view your tax transcript, check refund status, set up a payment plan, or see what the IRS has on file about your income.

The login page is at irs.gov in the top right corner where it says "Sign In". You will see two options: "Create an IRS username" or "Sign in with" a third-party account. Most people find the third-party route faster because you use an account you already have.

Key Takeaways

  • You can log in with an IRS username you create yourself, or with Google, Apple ID, or Microsoft — there is no single "IRS password" the agency sends you.
  • The login button is in the top right of irs.gov, and you will need either your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to set up an account.
  • If you forget your IRS username, you can reset it on the login page without calling the IRS.
  • Two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email) is required after you log in, so have your phone or email access ready.

Creating an IRS username and password

If you choose to create your own IRS username, click "Create an IRS username" on the login page. You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, a valid email address, and a phone number where you can receive a text or call. The IRS will send a one-time code to verify your identity before you can finish setting up the account.

Your username can be anything you choose — it does not have to be your name or Social Security number. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and at least one special character like ! or #. Write this down somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

After you create your username and password, the IRS will ask you security questions based on your credit history or tax records. Answer these correctly, and you will be sent a verification code. Enter that code, and your account is active.

Signing in with a third-party account

On the IRS.gov login page, you can click "Sign in with Google", "Sign in with Apple", or "Sign in with Microsoft" instead of creating an IRS username. This route is usually faster because you use a password you already know. The IRS will ask you to confirm your identity the first time you use a third-party account — usually by sending a code to your phone or email.

You do not need to create a separate IRS username if you use this method. Every time you log in, you will use the same third-party account. If you later decide you want an IRS username instead, you can create one and link it to the same account.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you forget your IRS username, click "Forgot username?" on the login page. The IRS will ask for your Social Security number and email address, then send you a reset link. If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the same process.

If you are using a third-party account (Google, Apple, Microsoft) and cannot log in, the problem is usually with that account, not with IRS.gov. Try resetting your password with Google, Apple, or Microsoft first. If you still cannot log in after that, try creating an IRS username instead and see if that works.

If you have never created an account and the system says your Social Security number is already in use, someone else may have set up an account with your number. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report this and get help creating your own account.

Two-factor authentication after you log in

After you enter your username and password (or third-party account), the IRS will send you a one-time code to your phone or email. This is two-factor authentication, and it is a security step you cannot skip. You must enter this code before you can see your tax information.

The code is usually valid for 10 minutes. If it expires, you can request a new one. Make sure the phone number and email address on your IRS account are current, or you will not receive the code. If you change your phone number or email, update it in your account settings before you log out.

What you can do once you are logged in

Once you are past two-factor authentication, you can view your account transcript (a record of what the IRS has on file about your income and tax returns), check the status of a refund, view payment history, set up a payment plan for taxes you owe, or download a copy of your tax return. You can also update your address or phone number in your account settings.

If you are looking for your refund status specifically, click "Check my refund status" from the main menu after you log in. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.

Staying secure on IRS.gov

Never share your IRS username, password, or two-factor authentication code with anyone — not even someone claiming to be from the IRS. The real IRS will never ask you for your password by phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the IRS and asking for your login information, hang up or delete the message and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at tigta.gov.

Always log out when you are done, especially if you are using a shared computer. Do not save your password in your browser if you are on a public or shared device. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create an IRS username if I already have a Google account?

No. You can log in with your Google account directly without creating an IRS username. The first time you do this, the IRS will ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email. After that, you can use Google to log in every time.

What if I do not have a phone number to receive a verification code?

You can use an email address instead of a phone number for two-factor authentication. When you set up your account, you can choose whether to receive codes by text or email. You can change this setting in your account preferences at any time.

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. IRS.gov works on phones and tablets, and you can log in the same way you would on a computer. The two-factor authentication code will be sent to your phone or email just like on a desktop. Some people find it easier to use a third-party account (Google, Apple, Microsoft) on mobile devices.

What if the IRS says my account is locked?

Your account locks temporarily after too many failed login attempts. Wait at least 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Do not try to reset your password repeatedly — each attempt can extend the lockout.

Is IRS.gov safe to use on public WiFi?

IRS.gov uses encryption to protect your information, but public WiFi is not secure. If you must log in on public WiFi, use a VPN (virtual private network) if you have one. It is safer to wait and log in from home or on your phone's data connection.