Avoiding penalties with an online IRS account An online IRS account helps taxpayers avoid penalties by providing a clear view of their outstanding balances and payment history.

Tax-related identity theft occurs when stolen Social Security numbers are used to file fraudulent returns and claim refunds.

Creating an online IRS account might raise concerns about data privacy, but understanding who can access your information can help you make an informed decision.

By creating an online account, you can avoid the need to call the IRS for all sorts of questions. And you can make a variety of payments online.