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    IRS Online Account

    Skip phone wait. Solve taxes online.

    What you can do

    • View tax balance + recent payments.
    • See 5 years of tax records.
    • Make + schedule payments.
    • View notices online.
    • Get tax transcripts free.
    • Track refund status.
    • View 1099 + W-2 info IRS has.
    • Set up payment plans.

    Setup

    • Go to irs.gov/account.
    • Click "Sign in" or "Create account."
    • Use ID.me OR Login.gov.
    • Need: SSN, prior year AGI, photo ID, phone.
    • 30-60 min for full verification.
    • Sign in moving forward.

    Skip phone hold

    • IRS phone wait often 1-3 hours.
    • Online account answers most questions.
    • Refund status — Where's My Refund tool.
    • View notices online — easier than phone explanation.
    • Documentation in account.

    Free file taxes

    • IRS Free File — under $79K AGI. Free.
    • AARP Tax-Aide — free Feb-April for 50+.
    • VITA — IRS free help under $64K.
    • TCE — Tax Counseling for Elderly.
    • FreeTaxUSA — federal free, $15 state.
    • TurboTax Free Edition — simple returns.

    IRS scams

    • IRS NEVER calls demanding immediate payment.
    • IRS NEVER asks for credit card / wire / gift cards.
    • IRS NEVER threatens arrest.
    • IRS sends LETTERS first.
    • Verify any letter at IRS.gov account.
    • Suspicious call — hang up. Call IRS 1-800-829-1040 directly.

    Stop identity theft

    Set up IRS.gov account NOW even if don't need yet. Same as Social Security — scammer can't create fake account in your name. Get IRS PIN ($5 fee) — adds extra security to tax filings. Identity theft refund fraud was $2B+ last year.