The IRS is continuing to expand its digital services and is strongly encouraging individual taxpayers to create an IRS Online Account. This recommendation was recently outlined in IRS Bulletin IR-2026-21, which details how to create an account and the benefits of doing so.
As tax professionals, we know that secure, direct access to IRS information can make tax administration smoother for everyone involved. The IRS has also asked tax preparers to support this initiative by encouraging clients to take advantage of these tools. We agree that this is a positive step.
Why Create an IRS Online Account?
An IRS Online Account allows individual taxpayers to:
- View key tax account information, including balances and payment history
- Access prior-year tax transcripts
- Make and manage payments securely
- View notices and correspondence from the IRS
- Verify identity more efficiently when interacting with the IRS
Having this information readily available can reduce delays, prevent misunderstandings, and streamline communication — especially during filing season or when resolving IRS notices.
Is It Required?
At this time, creating an IRS Online Account is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. The IRS continues to move toward more digital interaction, and taxpayers who already have accounts will be better positioned as these services expand.
Learn More
The IRS provides step-by-step instructions, security details, and additional benefits in IRS Bulletin IR-2026-21. We encourage taxpayers to review the bulletin directly using the link below:
If you have questions about how an IRS Online Account fits into your tax situation, or need help interpreting information you see there, our office is always happy to help.
Author:
Maureen Strahan Principal / QuickBooks ProAdvisor