As April draws near, many taxpayers start to feel the stress of the upcoming tax season. But there’s a silver lining: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made it easier than ever to manage your taxes with an online IRS account. This practical guide explains how to create your online IRS account for a smoother tax experience in 2024.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before you start, make sure you have the following information at hand:

– A valid email address

– Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

– Your filing status and address from your last filed tax return

– Your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit, or car loan

– A mobile phone linked to your name (for faster registration and to receive security codes)

Step 2: Visit the IRS Website

Navigate to the official IRS website and locate the ‘Create Your Online Account’ section. Select ‘Create Account’ to begin.

Step 3: Pass Secure Access Authentication

The IRS uses Secure Access authentication to confirm that you are who you claim to be. Complete each step accurately:

– Provide your email address and phone number

– Input your financial account information for verification

– Choose either text or phone call for receiving security codes now and during future sign-ins

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

Once you’ve successfully confirmed your email address and phone number, the IRS will ask questions only you can answer about your financial history. This step ensures another layer of security.

Step 5: Create Username and Password

Choose a username that isn’t easily guessable. Next, create a strong password that includes upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Step 6: Sign Up for Additional Security

You will be given options for additional security methods like face recognition or fingerprint technology if compatible with your device.

Step 7: Confirmation Email

After creating your account and choosing security preferences, you’ll receive a confirmation email from the IRS verifying that your account setup is complete.

Step 8: Access Your Online IRS Account

Finally, sign in to verify that everything works correctly. Through your online IRS account, you can check your balance, view tax records, make payments, manage communication preferences with the IRS, and access relevant tax documents.

By following these steps carefully, you can enjoy easy access to all of your important tax documents and information via just a few clicks. Remember that maintaining strong security practices is essential due to the sensitive nature of the information within your online IRS account.