How to Check Your Federal and State Tax Balance

Knowing your tax standing is important for financial planning and maintaining compliance. This balance can represent an amount you owe to the government, a refund you are due, or a comprehensive record of payments already made.

Accessing Your Federal Tax Information Online

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides an online account system for taxpayers to access their federal tax information. To establish or log into an IRS online account, you will need to provide specific personal details for identity verification. This includes your Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, current filing status, and mailing address. You will also need either your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from a prior year’s tax return or a notice number from an IRS letter received in the mail.

Once your identity is verified and you are logged into your IRS online account, a range of tax balance information becomes accessible. You can view any amount currently owed, along with your complete payment history for various tax periods. The platform also provides updates on the status of any pending refunds. Furthermore, you can retrieve various tax records, such as account transcripts and wage and income transcripts, which detail your reported earnings and tax withholding.

On the IRS.gov website, you typically locate a “View Your Account” or “Login” option, often prominently displayed on the homepage. After clicking this, you will be directed to the login portal where you enter your credentials. Once inside your account, clear sections allow you to view your balance, payment history, and refund status, typically found under headings like “Account Summary” or “Tax Records.”

Alternative Methods for Federal Tax Balance Information

Beyond the online account, you can obtain federal tax balance information by contacting the IRS via phone. When calling the IRS, it is advisable to have identifying information readily available to confirm your identity. This includes your Social Security Number, date of birth, and the tax year for which you are inquiring about a balance. You may also need to provide your prior year’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) to verify your account.

The IRS offers general inquiry lines where representatives can assist with balance inquiries. During the call, be prepared to answer security questions to ensure your privacy and the security of your tax information. The representative will then be able to provide details on amounts owed, payment history, or refund statuses.

Another method for obtaining federal tax balance information involves submitting a request by mail. You can request a tax transcript or account information using IRS Form 4506-T. This form allows you to specify the type of transcript needed and the tax year. After completing the form with your identifying details, you will mail it to the appropriate IRS address listed in the form’s instructions. Receiving information by mail typically takes approximately 5 to 10 business days after the IRS processes your request.

Checking State Tax Balances

Checking your state tax balance involves a process similar to federal tax inquiries, though it requires interacting with your specific state’s tax authority. The initial step is to visit the official website for your state’s tax department.

Most state tax departments offer online portals that mirror the functionality of the federal IRS online account, allowing you to view balances owed, payment history, and refund statuses. These portals generally require similar identifying information, such as a state-issued identification number, your Social Security Number, or details from a prior year’s state tax return. Many states also provide dedicated phone hotlines for tax inquiries and offer options to request tax information by mail.