Are you tired of sorting through piles of paperwork and waiting on hold for hours to get updates on your tax account?

The good news is, there’s a much simpler way to manage your taxes. In this blog, we’ll discuss how creating an IRS online account can simplify your tax season and provide you with access to important information.

What is an IRS Online Account?

An IRS online account is a secure portal provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that allows you to access and manage your tax information online.

By creating an account, you can view your account status, make payments, receive notifications, and access important tax documents such as W-2s and 1099s.

How to Create an IRS Online Account

Creating an IRS online account is easy and can be done in just a few steps:

  1. Go to the IRS website: To begin the process, go to www.irs.gov and click on “Payments” at the top of the page.
  2. Sign in or create an account: If you already have an account, simply enter your username and password to sign in. If not, click “Create an account” to get started.
  3. Verify your identity: To verify your identity, you’ll need to provide some personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
  4. Set up your account: Once you’ve verified your identity, you can set up your account by choosing a username and password. You’ll also be asked to provide an email address and phone number for security purposes.
  5. Start using your account: Once you’ve set up your account, you can start using it to manage your tax information online.

Benefits of an IRS Online Account

Creating an IRS online account offers several benefits that can make your tax season much easier:

  1. Access to important tax documents: With an IRS online account, you can access important tax documents such as W-2s and 1099s. This makes it easier to file your taxes and ensures that you have all the necessary information.
  2. View your account status: You can also view your account status, including any balance due, payments made, and any notifications from the IRS. This allows you to stay on top of your tax account and avoid any surprises.
  3. Make payments: With an IRS online account, you can make payments directly from your bank account or by credit or debit card. This makes it easy to pay your taxes on time and avoid penalties.
  4. Receive notifications: You can also sign up to receive email notifications from the IRS, such as when a payment has been received or if there are any updates to your account.
  5. Authorize a Power of Attorney: If you need assistance with a complicated tax issue, you can use your online account to authorize a Power of Attorney. This allows someone else, such as a CPA, to act on your behalf and represent you to the IRS.

Tips for Using Your IRS Online Account

To make the most of your IRS online account, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Keep your login information secure: It’s essential to keep your username and password safe to prevent unauthorized access to your account. Be sure to choose a strong password and never share it with anyone.
  1. Set up email notifications: To stay informed about your tax account, consider setting up email notifications from the IRS. This can alert you to important updates and changes to your account.
  2. Keep your login information secure: It’s essential to keep your username and password safe to prevent unauthorized access to your account. Be sure to choose a strong password and never share it with anyone.
  3. Check your account regularly: To ensure that it is up-to-date and accurate, it’s a good idea to check it regularly. This can help you catch any errors or discrepancies early on.
  4. Double-check your income documents: When you log in to your IRS online account, you can view your wage and income information for the current and previous years. This is a great way to ensure that you have all of your W-2 or 1099 forms and that the information matches your records. If you notice any discrepancies, don’t panic! Just reach out to the issuer of the document and ask for a corrected version. It’s better to fix any errors now than to deal with them later.
  5. Get help from a professional: Sometimes tax issues can be confusing or overwhelming. That’s why the power of attorney feature is so handy! It allows you to authorize someone, like a CPA or an enrolled agent, to act on your behalf for certain tax matters.

If you’re not sure how to resolve a tax issue or you just don’t have the time, consider reaching out to a professional for help.

To execute a power of attorney, you can use your IRS online account, fill out Form 2848, or send a written statement that includes your name, Social Security number, the authorized person’s name and address, and a description of the specific tax matters they are authorized to represent you for.

Contact Beckley & Associates today to schedule your free consultation