Create a household tax balance inventory

What the IRS guidance explains

An IRS Individual Online Account can show balances by year, payment information, records and certain digital notices. It can also help with viewing or revising a payment plan and reviewing authorization requests. Access it directly through IRS.gov and complete the identity process there. Account information and a mailed transcript may update on different schedules, so reconcile dates before assuming a recent payment has been lost.

Reconcile the dates before assuming an error

Open the account through IRS.gov rather than a link in an unexpected message. Review the relevant year and the dates of activity. Keep your own payment receipt, filing confirmation, and notice beside the account view so you can identify a timing difference clearly.

Write down the question you cannot reconcile without sharing your login. If seeking help, ask which records or authorization are appropriate; account credentials are not a substitute for an authorization process. Save a dated summary of the information you reviewed so a later update can be compared accurately.

Prepare the working record

Use this guide’s interactive checklist to organize the specific task. On your printed copy, note the source of each document and the date. Treat a missing item as a question to resolve; do not fill in an uncertain figure merely to make the packet look finished.

Before sharing evidence, verify the recipient and a secure delivery method. Keep a record of what you provided, when, and which question it addresses. Preparation helps explain the facts; it does not determine tax liability, approve relief, or extend an official deadline.

Your practical checklist

Keep exploring

• Review withholding after a family change
• Document necessary family expenses
• Prepare shared questions for a tax help call