Sign in to your IRS account through IRS.gov
The IRS does not use a single login system for all taxpayers. Instead, you create an account directly on IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. Once you have set up your account, you can sign in to check your refund status, view your tax records, and access payment options.
To create your account, go to IRS.gov and look for the "Sign in" link in the upper right corner. Select "Create an account" and follow the prompts. The IRS will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history or by uploading a photo ID and a recent tax return. This verification step usually takes a few minutes, though some requests may take up to 24 hours.
After you sign in, you can use the Where's My Refund tool to track your tax refund in real time. This tool updates once per day, usually overnight, and shows you the status of your refund, the expected deposit date, and the method of delivery (direct deposit or check).
Key Takeaways
- You create your IRS account on IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status.
- The IRS verifies your identity by asking security questions or requesting a photo ID and recent tax return.
- Once signed in, you can use Where's My Refund to see your refund status and expected deposit date.
- The Where's My Refund tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in one day will show the same information.
- If you cannot create an account or sign in, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to check your refund status by phone.
What information you need to create an account
Before you start, gather your Social Security number, date of birth, and the filing status from your most recent tax return (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or may have access to widow/widower). You will also need a valid email address and a phone number where you can receive a text message or call.
The IRS will ask you to create a username and password. Your username must be between 6 and 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and at least one special character (such as ! @ # $ % ^ &).
How identity verification works
After you enter your basic information, the IRS will ask you to verify your identity. You have two main options: answer security questions based on your credit history, or upload a photo ID and a recent tax return.
If you choose the security question route, the IRS pulls information from credit bureaus and asks you questions like "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2019?" or "What was the name of your first pet?" You must answer correctly to move forward. This method usually completes in a few minutes.
If you choose to upload documents, you will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent tax return or IRS notice. Take clear photos or scans of both documents and upload them through the IRS website. The IRS reviews these submissions manually, and verification can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email when your identity has been confirmed.
Signing in after your account is created
Once your account is active, go to IRS.gov and click "Sign in" in the upper right corner. Enter your username and password. If you have set up two-factor authentication (which the IRS recommends), you will receive a code by text message or email. Enter that code to complete your sign-in.
If you forget your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the sign-in page. The IRS will ask you to verify your identity again using security questions or documents before allowing you to reset your password. This process usually takes a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on which verification method you choose.
If you forget your username, you can retrieve it by entering your Social Security number and date of birth on the same page. The IRS will email your username to the address on file.
Using Where's My Refund after you sign in
Once you are signed in, click on "Where's My Refund" in the main menu. The tool will show you the current status of your refund in one of three stages: received, approved, or sent.
"Received" means the IRS has your return but has not yet processed it. "Approved" means the IRS has approved your refund and is preparing to send it. "Sent" means your refund has been issued and is on its way to you. The tool will also show you the expected deposit date if you chose direct deposit, or the date your check was mailed if you chose a paper check.
The Where's My Refund tool updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern time. Checking the tool multiple times in the same day will show you the same information. If your return is still being processed, the tool may show an estimated date rather than a confirmed date.
What to do if you cannot sign in
If you have trouble creating an account, the most common reasons are that your identity cannot be verified through the security questions or that your documents did not upload clearly. If the security questions fail, try the document upload method instead. Make sure your photo ID is current and your tax return or IRS notice is from the past three years.
If your documents are rejected, the IRS will send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include blurry images, missing pages, or documents that are too old. Re-upload clearer images or a more recent document and try again.
If you cannot create an account at all, or if you have already tried multiple times without success, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. A representative can verify your identity over the phone and tell you your refund status without requiring you to sign in online. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or later in the evening.
Signing in on a mobile device
You can sign in to your IRS account on a smartphone or tablet using the same username and password you use on a computer. Go to IRS.gov in your mobile browser and follow the same sign-in steps. The IRS does not have a dedicated mobile app for account sign-in, so you will use the website on your phone's browser.
If you are signing in from a new device, the IRS may ask you to verify your identity again for security reasons. You can use the same security questions or document upload method. After you verify your identity on the new device, you will not have to verify again the next time you sign in from that same device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to create an IRS account?
Creating an account usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you use security questions for identity verification. If you upload documents, the IRS may take up to 24 hours to review them and confirm your identity. You will receive an email when your account is ready to use.
Can I sign in to check someone else's refund?
No. Each person must create their own IRS account using their own Social Security number. If you are a tax professional or power of attorney, you can use a separate IRS system called EFIN to access client information, but that requires different credentials and registration with the IRS.
What if I do not have a phone number for two-factor authentication?
You can use an email address instead of a phone number for two-factor authentication. During account setup, choose "email" when the IRS asks how you want to receive your verification code. The code will be sent to your email address each time you sign in from a new device.
Is my IRS account the same as my IRS Online Account?
Yes. The account you create on IRS.gov is your IRS Online Account. There is only one login system for individual taxpayers. Do not create multiple accounts with different usernames — use the same account every time you sign in.
Can I sign in if I have not filed a tax return yet?
You can create an account, but you will not see any refund information until you file a return and the IRS receives it. Once your return is in the system, you can use Where's My Refund to track it.