New IRS App Adds Access to Your Tax Account: How to Use It

You can now use the IRS app to see what you owe, review payments and read available tax notices.

The agency launched the free app Sept. 25, replacing IRS2Go. The biggest change: You can sign in to access personal tax information, which the old app didn’t offer. 

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What’s new?

The IRS2Go app allowed you to check your refund status, make certain payments and find free help filing your taxes. You can still do those things without signing in.

However, the new app, available in English and Spanish and called simply “the IRS app,” lets you sign in to see more of your personal tax information. Depending on your account, you can:

• See what you owe. Check your available tax balance.
• Review your payments. Look up your payment history or pay a balance.
• Read IRS notices and letters. View available messages about your taxes.
• Get your tax records. View and download available documents, including transcripts that summarize information from your tax returns or account.
• Update your contact and banking details. Change your email address, bank account information and certain communication preferences.
• Check your amended return’s status. Track the progress of a return without signing in.
• Access your identity protection PIN. Find the six-digit number that helps prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number.

These features bring some of the services from your IRS online account into the app. You’ll still need IRS.gov for anything the app doesn’t offer.

How do you sign in?

Choose the sign-in option and use your ID.me account, the same service used to access your personal IRS online account. The app opens a secure browser window for that step, then returns you to the app. 

If you don’t have an ID.me account, follow the prompts to create one and verify your identity. Have your email address, Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number and a government-issued photo ID ready. You’ll also set up multifactor authentication, such as a code sent to your phone.

How does it protect your information?

The IRS says the app encrypts information sent between your device and its systems and doesn’t keep your tax account information as permanent app data on your phone.

The identity protection PIN adds another safeguard. This six-digit number helps prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. You don’t have to be an identity theft victim to get one.

How do you download it?

Start at IRS.gov/app for official links to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Already have IRS2Go? Automatic updates will deliver the replacement. Otherwise, select “Update” in your app store.

Avoid downloads promoted through unsolicited messages or ads. The IRS won’t ask for sensitive personal or financial information through an unsolicited text, email or pop-up. And if you see a look-alike app that is not from the IRS, report it at IRS.gov/submitatip.