How to Check If You Owe Back Taxes to the IRS or State
Accurately determine if you owe federal or state back taxes. Understand your tax obligations and proactively manage your financial standing.
Unpaid taxes from past periods, or “back taxes,” represent a significant financial obligation that can lead to accumulating penalties and interest. Determining if you have outstanding tax liabilities is important for financial health and avoiding legal consequences. Ignoring these obligations can result in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state tax authorities taking collection actions, which may include tax liens or wage garnishments. This article outlines the methods available to accurately check for any federal or state back taxes you might owe.
Gathering Necessary Information
Before checking your tax account with federal or state authorities, gather specific personal and financial documents for identity verification and account access. You will need your full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and your date of birth.
You will also need your current mailing address as it is on file with tax authorities, along with your filing status from a recent tax return, such as Single or Married Filing Jointly. Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from a recent tax return is often required for verification purposes; this AGI can be found on your Form 1040. A valid email address and phone number are also important for setting up and verifying online accounts.
Checking Your Federal Tax Account Online
The IRS offers an online tool to check for federal tax liabilities. Navigate to the official IRS website and locate the “View Your Account Information” section to access your tax obligations.
The online system utilizes ID.me, a third-party identity verification service. New users will need to create an ID.me account, which involves uploading a photo of a government-issued identification document and taking a video selfie for identity confirmation. Once your identity is verified through ID.me, you can log in to your IRS online account.
Upon logging in, you can view your total payoff amount, tax balances for each year, and details of any payment plans. The account also provides access to payment history, tax records, and tax transcripts, including your AGI from your most recent tax return. While the online system offers extensive information, there might be slight delays in updates or occasional discrepancies.
Obtaining Federal Tax Information Through Other Channels
For those who prefer alternative methods or have difficulty with online services, the IRS provides phone and mail options. The general IRS phone number for individual taxpayers is 1-800-829-1040. When calling, be prepared for potentially long wait times and have all your personal identification details, including your SSN, date of birth, filing status, and a copy of a prior year’s tax return or any IRS notices, ready for identity verification.
Another method is to request tax transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return.” This form allows you to obtain various types of transcripts, including tax account transcripts that show basic tax data. Mailed requests for transcripts usually take 5 to 10 days to process once the IRS receives the form. It is important to complete Form 4506-T accurately to avoid delays in receiving your requested tax records.
Verifying State Tax Liabilities
Beyond federal obligations, individuals may also have tax liabilities at the state level, which are managed by each state’s own tax authority. To check for state back taxes, you will need to identify and contact the relevant tax agency for your state of residence.
Most state tax agencies offer online portals, similar to the federal system, that allow taxpayers to set up accounts and view their tax status. These online services require state-specific identity verification, requiring personal details like your SSN and information from prior state tax returns. Many states also provide taxpayer assistance lines where you can speak with a representative to inquire about outstanding balances or request tax records. Mail inquiries are generally an option as well, though processing times can vary.