What an IRS account is and why you need one
An IRS online account is a login you create at IRS.gov that lets you view your tax return history, check the status of a refund, see what the IRS has on file for your income and withholding, and download tax transcripts without calling or visiting an office. You do not need one to file taxes or receive a refund — but having one means you can track both in real time instead of waiting for mail or calling a phone line.
The IRS calls this account an IRS Online Account, and it is separate from any tax software account you may have used to file. You create it directly at IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and either a mailing address or filing status from a recent tax return.
Once you have logged in, you can see your account transcript (what the IRS knows about your income and tax payments), your tax return transcript (a copy of what you filed), and your refund status updated daily. This is especially useful if you filed a return and are waiting for money back, or if you need to verify income for a loan or housing application.
Key Takeaways
- You create an IRS Online Account directly at IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and information from a recent tax return or mailing address.
- The IRS offers two identity verification methods: uploading a photo ID and answering security questions, or using a third-party service like Login.gov or ID.me.
- The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready, and you can use your account immediately after verification is complete.
- Once logged in, you can check refund status, download tax transcripts, and view what income and withholding the IRS has recorded for you.
- If you cannot verify your identity online, you can request a transcript by mail or phone, though both take longer than using an account.
Step-by-step: Creating your account at IRS.gov
Go to IRS.gov and look for the link labeled "Create an Account" or "Sign in to Your Account" — it is usually in the upper right corner of the page. Click it, then select "Create Account" if you do not already have one. The IRS will ask you to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status from your most recent tax return, or your current mailing address if you have not filed recently.
Next, you will choose how to verify your identity. The IRS offers two paths: you can upload a photo of your driver's license or passport and answer security questions about your financial history, or you can use a third-party identity verification service. The photo ID route usually takes a few minutes; the third-party services (Login.gov or ID.me) may ask you to take a selfie and answer additional questions. Either way, the IRS will tell you within minutes whether verification succeeded.
Once verified, you will set a username and password for future logins. Write these down or save them in a password manager — you will need them every time you want to check your account. The IRS does not send you a confirmation email with your login details, so if you lose them, you will have to go through the verification process again.
What documents and information you need before you start
Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready — these are required. You will also need either a recent tax return (from the last two years) or your current mailing address. If you have filed in the past two years, the IRS already has your return on file, so you can use your filing status and the year you filed.
If you are verifying by uploading a photo ID, have a valid driver's license or passport nearby. Make sure the photo is clear and the document is not expired — the IRS will reject blurry images or expired documents. If you are using a third-party service like ID.me, you may also need to take a selfie, so make sure you are in a well-lit space.
If you do not have a recent tax return and do not remember your mailing address, you can still create an account, but you will need to verify your identity using the photo ID method or a third-party service. The IRS cannot create an account using only your Social Security number and date of birth.
Identity verification methods: which one to choose
The IRS offers two main paths to verify who you are. The first is to upload a photo of your driver's license or passport and answer security questions — usually five questions about your financial history, like which bank you used in a certain year or the amount of a past loan. This method works if your ID is current and your photo is clear. Most people complete this in under 10 minutes.
The second path is to use a third-party identity verification service. The IRS partners with Login.gov and ID.me. Both services will ask you to take a selfie and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. Login.gov tends to be faster if you already have an account there (many people do, because it is used for other government services). ID.me is also widely used and works similarly. Both are free.
If you choose the photo ID method and it fails — because your photo is too blurry, your ID is expired, or the IRS cannot match your information — you can try again immediately or switch to a third-party service. There is no penalty for failed attempts, and you can try as many times as you need.
What happens after you verify your identity
Once the IRS confirms your identity, you will be taken to your account dashboard. You can log out and come back anytime using your username and password. Your account is active immediately — you do not have to wait for an email or confirmation letter.
From your dashboard, you can view your account transcript, which shows the IRS's record of your income, tax payments, and withholding for the past three years. You can also download your tax return transcript, which is a copy of the actual return you filed. Both can be downloaded as a PDF and printed or saved.
If you filed a return and are waiting for a refund, you can check the status under "Where's My Refund?" — this updates daily and will tell you whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has issued the refund. The status also shows the expected deposit date if the refund has been approved.
Troubleshooting: what to do if verification fails
If the IRS cannot verify your identity using the photo ID method, the most common reasons are a blurry photo, an expired ID, or a mismatch between the information on your ID and what the IRS has on file. Try uploading a clearer photo, or switch to a third-party service like ID.me, which may have different verification questions.
If the third-party service also fails, it usually means the IRS does not have enough information on file to confirm your identity — this can happen if you have never filed a tax return, moved recently, or had a name change. In this case, you can request a transcript by mail or phone instead. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask for a transcript; they will mail it to the address on file, which takes 5 to 10 business days.
If you created an account but forgot your username or password, go to IRS.gov and click "Forgot Username or Password?" You will have to verify your identity again using the same method you used to create the account. The IRS does not have a way to email you a password reset link — you have to go through the full verification process again.
Using your account to check refund status and download transcripts
Once logged in, click "Where's My Refund?" to see the status of any refund you are waiting for. The page will show whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved the refund, or has sent it. If the refund has been approved, you will see the expected deposit date. This information updates once per day, usually overnight.
To download a transcript, click "Get Your Tax Transcript" and choose which type you need. The account transcript shows your income and tax payments; the tax return transcript shows what you actually filed. Both are free and can be downloaded immediately as a PDF. Many employers, lenders, and housing programs accept these PDFs as proof of income or tax filing.
You can also view your tax account, which shows the IRS's record of what you owe or what they owe you. This is useful if you are on a payment plan or if you filed an amended return and want to see whether the IRS has processed it yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IRS account to file taxes or get a refund?
No. You can file taxes using tax software or a paper form, and you will receive your refund whether or not you have an account. An account just lets you track the status yourself instead of waiting for mail or calling the IRS.
Can I use my tax software account to log into the IRS website?
No. Your tax software account (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.) is separate from your IRS Online Account. You have to create an IRS account directly at IRS.gov using your Social Security number and date of birth.
What if I do not have a driver's license or passport?
You can still verify your identity using a third-party service like ID.me or Login.gov. Both accept other forms of ID and may ask additional security questions. If you cannot verify online at all, you can request a transcript by phone or mail instead.
How long does it take to create an account?
The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Identity verification is instant or takes a few minutes. You can use your account immediately after verification is complete.
Is my information safe on IRS.gov?
The IRS uses encryption and security measures similar to banks. Your account is protected by your username and password. Do not share your login details, and do not access your account from a public computer.