How to Find Out How Much Back Taxes You Owe

Understanding your current tax obligations, especially if you might owe back taxes, provides clarity for financial planning. Accessing this information helps individuals manage their financial records and address any discrepancies.

Accessing Federal Tax Account Information

Taxpayers can access their federal tax account information through several IRS methods. Setting up an IRS online account is an efficient way to review tax records, account balances, and payment history. This digital portal allows individuals to view tax return transcripts, tax account transcripts, and payment history for up to 10 years. Identity verification, including personal information and security questions, is required to set up an online account.

Another approach is contacting the IRS by phone at 1-800-829-1040, available Monday through Friday during business hours. Callers must verify their identity by providing personal details and information from a previous tax return. This allows inquiry about account balance, payment history, and general tax liability.

Tax transcripts can be requested by mail using specific IRS forms. Form 4506-T allows taxpayers to request various transcripts, including account transcripts showing financial data like payments, penalties, and adjustments. Form 4506-T-EZ is available for simpler requests, specifically for tax return transcripts. Mail these forms to the IRS; transcripts are sent to the address on file within five to ten calendar days of receipt.

Information Required for Inquiries

Before accessing tax account information, gather specific personal and financial details for identity verification. Essential identification includes your full legal name, date of birth, current mailing address, and your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

For online or phone inquiries, additional information from a previous tax return is often required. This commonly includes the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from a prior tax year. You might also need to provide bank account numbers used on previously filed tax returns or specific credit card numbers if they were used for past tax payments. Having this information readily available helps streamline the verification process, ensuring secure access to sensitive tax data.

Having copies of previously filed tax returns, W-2s, or 1099s for the years in question is beneficial. These documents serve as a reference for verification questions and help reconcile discrepancies.

Checking State Tax Liabilities

Determining outstanding state tax liabilities involves engaging directly with state tax agencies, as processes vary significantly by state. Each state maintains its own Department of Revenue or Tax Commissioner’s office, which is the contact point for state tax matters. These agencies administer state tax laws and collect taxes, including income, sales, and property taxes.

Many states offer online tax portals similar to federal systems, allowing taxpayers to view their account history and current liabilities. Accessing these portals requires creating an account and undergoing a state-specific identity verification process.

Alternatively, contact your state’s tax department by phone to inquire about tax liabilities. The general phone number for the state’s Department of Revenue or equivalent agency is usually on the state’s official government website. Callers must provide personal identification details and answer security questions to verify their identity.

Some state tax agencies also accommodate requests for account information via mail, though this method may take longer. Specific forms and mailing addresses differ by state, but the general principle involves submitting a written request for tax account details.