Staying up to date with your Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax account can be challenging since the IRS does not issue periodic account statements and does not communicate by email. However, in the last year, the IRS has greatly expanded its online platform: taxpayers can now view the status of their tax balance or refund, communicate with the IRS, view their filing history and make tax payments. Below 10 tasks you can now do online!

1/ How to set up your online access

To sign up for your online account, you will need a mobile phone that can receive a security code SMS. To ensure a secure access, the IRS has  set up a thorough authentication process that will check your identity.
 

a/ To set up your online access - for individuals: Your Online Account | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

b / To set up your online access - for businesses (NEW in 2024) : https://www.irs.gov/businesses/business-tax-account

c/ To set up your online access - for foreigners with an ITIN (NEW in 2024): 

In addition to being available to individuals with a US social security number (SSN), the IRS has now made the tool available to foreigners who hold an ITIN Number. To know more about the ITIN: https://kbfinancials.biz/news-1/f/le-num%C3%A9ro-itin-am%C3%A9ricain

To set up your online access - for individuals with an ITIN: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number

2/ How to obtain a copy of your tax records

Once your online access is set up, you can view your tax due, your tax payment history and other key information of your most recent tax return. You can also request a copy (transcript) of your last tax return filed. You might also need a transcript to provide income verification – for example if you are applying for a home mortgage or a student loan. There are different types of account transcript available for download:

• The Tax Return Transcript –  shows most line items of your tax return and generally meets the needs  of lending institutions that request your tax information.
• The Tax Account Transcript – shows basic tax data such as your filing status and taxable income.
• Record of Account Transcript – shows chronologically what has been happening to your tax account –  such as penalties assessed, whether your account is being audited or  collection status.
• Wage and Income Transcript – shows information returns date for Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, and 5498.  You might need this transcript if you have misplaced or did not receive  from your employer your W2.
• Verification of Non-filing Letter – If you need proof that the IRS has no record of you filing for a given year.

To obtain a transcript: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

3/ How to view IRS notices

The IRS issues a notice when it has questions about a tax return you filed, or when it assesses penalties on your account. In the last year, the IRS has expanded the ability of taxpayer to view notices. When you are in your online account, click on the “Notice & letters” tab to access this service.

4/ How to respond to a notice & upload documents (NEW in 2024)

If you receive a notice or a letter from the IRS asking you to send documents, you can now upload those documents securely online through the new Document upload tool. This tool makes it easier to correspond with the IRS instead of having to mail or fax a response. For example, with this tool you can respond to letters about validating your identity and/or proving your eligibility for key credits and deductions. And best of all, you will receive an almost instant confirmation that documents were received by the IRS!. To know more: https://www.irs.gov/help/irs-document-upload-tool

5/ How to file information tax forms online

If you are a business owner, you can file for free forms 1099 series (such as 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV ) through the Information Return Intake System (IRIS) online portal.

To access IRIS : E-file Forms 1099 with IRIS | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

6/ How to check the status of your refund

You can check easily the status of your tax refund – using the refund tool. The tool has recently been expanded to include the current tax year as well as the prior 2 tax years. To use this online tool, you will need to identify yourself by entering your tax number (SSN or ITIN),  your filing status and the amount of the refund shown on your tax  return. The tool will display the progress of your tax refund in 3 phases: “return received”, “refund approved”, and “refund sent”. The tool is updated every 24 hours.

To access the refund tool: https://www.irs.gov/refunds

7/ How to pay your taxes with just one click!

With this platform, you can pay your taxes online, get a  payment confirmation instantly, and look up prior payments. There are 5 providers you can chose from to make your payment. Generally, if you pay with your checking account, there is no fee – if you pay with a card, there is a processing fee.

a/ Payment with your IRS online account

You can make a tax payment by logging in your IRS online account.  Your online access will also show your current year tax balance, your payment history, scheduled payments, and pending payments. To access your IRS online account: Your Online Account | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

b/ Payment with Direct Pay

This service allows you to pay tax with a checking account free of charge. The system also accepts foreign bank account settlement if the foreign bank is affiliated with a US bank and has a 9-digit routing number . The system does not accept SWIFT codes.
To pay with Direct Pay: https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay

c/ Payment with a Credit card / Debit card

This service accepts most US and foreign cards including Amex, Discover, Mastercard, Visa. The service will charge a fee up to 2% of the amount (Credit Card) or $ 3.95 per transaction (Debit Card). To pay with a card: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card

d / Payment with eftps.gov

This service is the official US administration system (Electronic Federal Tax Payment system EFTPS) for individuals and businesses. It provides a secure way for individuals and businesses to make a tax payment. The registration to this system is free, secure and can take up to 7 days. To pay with EFTPS: https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system

e/ International wire transfer

If you wish to pay with a foreign bank account your taxes, you can make an international wire transfer to the IRS. This method is costly, takes longer to process and can be time consuming as you will need to complete forms for your bank with detailed instructions. To pay by international wire: Foreign Electronic Payments | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

8/ How to apply for a payment plan

In the event you cannot pay the full amount of your taxes, you can request additional time to make the payment, set up a payment plan and even apply for a reduction in the amount of tax due. To request a payment plan: https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application

To know more if you cannot pay your taxes: https://kbfinancials.biz/news-1/f/5-options-if-you-cannot-pay-your-taxes

9/ How to get answers to your tax questions

The best way to contact the IRS depends greatly on why you need to contact them. In the last year, the IRS expanded its “self-service” assistance: you can get answers to your tax questions for free using the voice chat, web chat or other online tools:

a/ To get immediate answers to general tax questions, use the ITA online tool : ITA | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

b/ To get answers to questions specific to your account, contact the IRS by phone or in person: Telephone Assistance | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

10 / How to file your tax return for FREE online (NEW in 2024)

With the IRS Free File tool, you can file your taxes electronically for free. To be eligible for this service your income must be less than $79K (tax year 2023). The program is available in English & Spanish in 12 states to individuals with a SSN or an ITIN. The program is limited to certain types of income, standard deductions and certain tax credits.

To know more: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

Bear in mind that federal and state laws CHANGE frequently and the information in this document may not reflect recent changes in the laws.  For current tax or legal advice, please consult with a professional.

The LINKS in this article to third party website are not intended as  implying our endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the  third-party information and we do not guarantee these sites’ accuracy.

Each taxpayer is UNIQUE and so is the tax strategy tailored to his/her specific situation. The information contained in this article is not tax or legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting with a professional. For assistance with YOUR international tax needs, please contact Karine Bauer, EA, JD – HERE

To receive more articles on similar topics, please sign up  – HERE.

Updated: April 26th, 2024.