Every year the IRS sends out notices to taxpayers who have a balance due. If you owe taxes, you’ll receive a tax balance due notice in the mail. The IRS will never email, text, or call regarding your tax balance.
If you owe back taxes to the IRS, pay as soon as possible to minimize penalties and interest. You can pay the balance due with your bank account, debit/credit card, check/money order, electronic funds withdrawal, same-day wire, or cash.
There are a few ways to find out how much money you owe the IRS if you don’t know the exact amount you need to pay.
Check Your Online Tax Account
The most convenient way to know how much taxes you owe is through an IRS online payments account for taxpayers to view balance and payment activity. It’s completely free. You just need to register first to access your account.
To register, you’ll need your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), current mailing address, tax filing status, and one financial account number to verify your identity (i.e., credit card, auto/home loan, etc.).
Your online IRS payments account shows the outstanding balance updated for the current calendar year plus any penalties and/or interest. Payment history for the last 18 months and scheduled/pending payments are also reflected.
The IRS will update your account once every 24 hours. If you pay via check/money order, it’ll take up to 3 weeks for the payment to show in your online account.
Also, keep in mind that your online account isn’t available 24/7. You can only access it from Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 9 pm. On Sundays, it’s available from 10 am to midnight ET.
Other options are available to taxpayers unable to view their online IRS balance and payments account.
Request an Account Transcript
All IRS transcript types are available online: Tax Return Transcript, Tax Account Transcript, Record of Account Transcript, Wage and Income Transcript, and Verification of Non-filing Letter. You have the option to view, download, or print these transcripts.
All transcript types, including a Record of Account Transcript, are at no charge. In addition to viewing transcripts online, you can request them via mail or by calling the IRS automated phone service. Transcripts sent by mail will be delivered within 5 to 10 days.
Don’t get confused with the Transcript Types. A Tax Return Transcript is only for the current tax year and processed returns in the last three years. If you want to view the current year and the previous years, request a Tax Account Transcript online or Form 4506-T.
Another option to find out your tax balance is to contact the IRS directly. However, it may be difficult to get ahold of an actual person right away. You may also request an appointment or even walk-in. Take note that local IRS offices may only be able to assist you on specific topics. Check online for the nearest local offices and available services at each location.
Tax Relief for Taxpayers
If you owe taxes and can’t pay the full amount, the IRS offers a few tax relief programs to give you a fresh start:
- Offer in Compromise (OIC): Reduce your IRS tax liability with an OIC agreement.
- Hardship Status: Pause IRS collections with a “Currently Not Collectible (CNC)” if unable to make payments due to your current financial situation.
- IRS Payment Plans: Set up manageable monthly IRS payments with an Installment Agreement.
Wiztax tax relief services help with back taxes, so you can resolve unpaid taxes with each of these options if you owe taxes for a single year or multiple years and you’re unable to pay your full tax debt. Simply start by answering simple tax questions to instantly see your Offer in Compromise settlement amount. Wiztax will also show your Hardship status eligibility and IRS Payment Plan options.
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