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    2 min read 6 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Use IRS Online Tools

    Check your refund status, make payments, and access tax transcripts through the IRS website.

    At a Glance

    Category
    How-To Guides
    Difficulty
    Intermediate
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    irs
    taxes
    government
    refund
    finance

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Access the IRS website
    2. 2.Check your refund status
    3. 3.Create an IRS Online Account
    4. 4.View tax transcripts
    5. 5.Make a payment
    6. 6.Free File program
    1

    Access the IRS website

    ~15s
    Go to irs.gov. This is the only official IRS website. The IRS never initiates contact by email, text, or social media — if someone claims to be the IRS online, it's a scam.
    2

    Check your refund status

    ~15s
    Click "Where's My Refund?" or use the IRS2Go mobile app. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. Updates are available 24 hours after e-filing.
    3

    Create an IRS Online Account

    ~15s
    Click "Sign In to Your Online Account." Verify your identity through ID.me (similar to Social Security). Once verified, you can view your tax records anytime.
    4

    View tax transcripts

    ~15s
    Access your Account Transcript showing payments, Tax Return Transcript, and Wage & Income Transcript. Useful for loan applications, financial aid, and tax preparation.
    5

    Make a payment

    ~15s
    IRS Direct Pay lets you pay from your bank account for free. Credit/debit cards are accepted (processing fee applies). You can also set up installment plans for larger amounts.
    6

    Free File program

    ~15s
    If your income is below $84,000, use IRS Free File to prepare and file your federal taxes for free using brand-name software. Available January through October at irs.gov/freefile.

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    irs
    taxes
    government
    refund
    finance

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