How to See If You Owe Taxes to the IRS or State
Confirm your tax standing with federal and state authorities. Learn the process for verifying if you have a balance and understand your next steps.
An outstanding tax liability can arise from a change in employment, self-employment income, or an oversight in filing. Because unpaid taxes accumulate penalties and interest, it is important to confirm your status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or your state’s tax agency. Verifying whether you owe money allows you to address the issue and prevent further financial complications.
Information Needed to Verify Your Identity
Before checking your tax status, you must gather personal information to verify your identity. You will need your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your date of birth, and the mailing address from your most recent tax return. You must also know the filing status you used on that return, such as single, married filing jointly, or head of household.
For online access, you will need to create a secure account, and the IRS uses a third-party service called ID.me for this. To register, you need a personal email address, a mobile phone number in your name, and a photo of a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport. The system also requires you to take a live photo, or “selfie,” with your device’s camera. This image is compared against your ID to confirm your identity.
Checking Your Federal Tax Status with the IRS
Once you have your identification documents, you can check your federal tax balance using several methods.
Using Your IRS Online Account
The IRS Online Account offers immediate access to your tax information. To begin, navigate to the “View Your Account” page on the IRS.gov website and sign in or create an account with the ID.me service. After logging in, you will see a personal tax dashboard. This portal displays any balance you owe by tax year, a history of payments, key information from recent tax returns, and details about any payment plans.
Requesting IRS Transcripts
Another way to determine if you owe taxes is by requesting an IRS transcript at no cost. The “Account Transcript” is the most useful, as it provides a detailed record of transactions for a specific tax year, including tax assessed, adjustments, penalties, and interest. You can use the “Get Transcript Online” tool on the IRS website for immediate PDF access after logging in, or the “Get Transcript by Mail” service will send it to your address on record, which takes five to 10 calendar days.
Contacting the IRS by Phone or Mail
If you cannot use online tools, you can contact the IRS by phone at 1-800-829-1040. Be prepared for long wait times and have your identity verification information ready. You may also inquire by mail, though this is the slowest method. A written request should include your full name, SSN or ITIN, mailing address, and the tax year in question.
Understanding State Tax Obligations
State tax obligations are managed separately from federal taxes. Each state with an income tax has its own authority, such as a Department of Revenue or Franchise Tax Board. An outstanding balance with the IRS does not mean you have one with the state, so you must check with each authority independently.
Most state tax agencies offer online portals to view your tax history and liabilities. To register, you will need your SSN, date of birth, and information from a recent state tax return. Search online for your state’s department of revenue to find its official website, which will provide links to create an account or find contact information.
Interpreting the Information and Next Steps
The balance displayed by a tax agency will likely be higher than the original tax amount because it includes accrued penalties and interest. The Failure to Pay penalty is commonly 0.5% of the unpaid tax for each month the debt is late, up to 25%. Interest is compounded daily on the unpaid balance and any penalties. Compare the information from the tax agency with your own records to ensure it is accurate.
If you owe a balance, paying it in full is the best way to stop more penalties and interest from accumulating. The IRS offers several payment methods:
- IRS Direct Pay from a bank account for free
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Digital wallet
If you cannot pay the full amount, the IRS offers resolution options. You can request a short-term payment plan of up to 180 days or apply for a longer-term Installment Agreement. In cases of financial hardship, an Offer in Compromise (OIC) may allow you to settle the debt for less than the full amount owed, but this option has strict eligibility requirements.