How to Create an IRS Online Account with ID.me (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you do not already have access to your own individual account with the IRS, now is a great time to set up this very useful tool. This article will walk you through the steps to create one and what you can do with it.

You will first need to sign up for an id.me login:

If you already have one for another purpose, you are ready to sign into most IRS services. You only need one id.me and should use it for everything both personal and business related.  If you're starting from scratch, here's what you'll need:

• Be over age 18 with an SSN or ITIN
• A phone with a camera and a way to authenticate (text message or an authenticator app)
• A photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

When you are ready, navigate to the webpage link below and follow the instructions to register with id.me. After you register, you will need to verify your identity to finalize the process.

Creating an Account for IRS.gov

A few tips:

• A phone with a front-facing camera is easier than a webcam.
  
  
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• Use a unique password for id.me and don’t share it with anyone.
  
  
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• No one should ever call and ask for your authentication code – anyone that does is phishing.
  
  
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• Your identity verification should go smoothly but sometimes requires a secure video to complete. It may be tedious but only needs to be done one time.

Now that you have your id.me setup, you can login to your IRS account. The link earlier in this article lists all of the resources you can use id.me to access, including your Individual Account.  The direct link is: Your account | Internal Revenue Service

Your home page gives you a quick summary: balance due, links to make payments, and access to your tax records and filing status. The layout is straightforward, and the IRS has clearly made it very easy to find the "pay us" button.

The links along the top of the page include:

Account Balance

This menu option will display balance due by tax years and another link to payment options.

Payments

This allows you to choose to request a payment plan or check eligibility for an offer in compromise if needed. You can also view pending, processed and canceled/returned payments.

Records and Status

This tab has quite a few useful resources.   Information return documents allows you to view W-2s, 1099s and other forms that have been reported as issued to you. Tax records will show your return summary for recent tax years, allow you to pull a transcript if one is needed to research a notice, and view clean vehicle credit information if applicable.  You can also view the status of certain types of audits, any refunds due to you and amended returns you have filed.

Notices

Not all notices are available online, but select ones are and you can view any you have received on the “Notices” tab as well as manage your notification preferences for notices.

Forms

This tab allows you to submit Form 4547 (Trump account election) or check on the status of your submitted election. You can also submit select forms online rather than paper file. This is not a way to file your individual tax return but does include forms for specific situations such a refund claim or request for innocent spouse relief, for example.

Authorizations

This is very useful as it allows POA (power of attorney), TIA (tax information authorization) and income verification requests to be approved online instantly. The POA request is particularly helpful when a tax professional needs to pull a transcript to research a notice you have received or contact the IRS on your behalf. This provides an electronic alternative to form 2848 and is processed much faster than the paper forms.

The time-saving features in the online account are well worth taking the time to register for id.me and go through the verification process.  If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to your service professional at HHM CPAs.