With the 2023 tax season approaching quickly, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wants to remind taxpayers that their IRS account information is readily accessible through their individual IRS online account. If taxpayers do not already have an account with an IRS username, all they need is photo identification to create one. More information regarding photo identification is currently on the sign-in page.
Key Items to Consider When Filing In 2023 Tax Season
If taxpayers want to know how to make the 2023 tax season an easier process, the IRS has provided key pieces of information that they should consider:
- Reporting rules changed for Form 1099-K
- Taxpayers will receive the 1099-K by January 31st, 2023 if they received payments in the 2022 tax year for goods and services that exceeded $600. This does not apply to payment sent from friends and relatives for gifts or reimbursements.
- Some tax credits will return to 2019 levels
- Affected taxpayers will more than likely receive a significantly smaller refund than the one from the previous tax year.
- Changes include: Child Tax Credit (CTC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), & Child and Dependent Care Credit
- No above-the-line charitable deductions
- Taxpayers were able to take up to a $600 charitable donation tax deduction on their tax returns during COVID, but not anymore.
- Avoid refund delays and understand refund timing
- Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to expect to receive a 2022 tax refund by a certain date
- The IRS cannot issue refunds for people claiming the EITC before mid-February
- Sign in to your online account
What can I do with my IRS online account?
The IRS has previously launched an online account system that allows taxpayers to easily manage their taxes and payment information. With the IRS online account, users can also take advantage of convenient features that the IRS is continuously adding to in order to provide a stress-free experience. For example, people can now check the amounts of their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to help them accurately calculate any Recovery Rebate Credit they may be eligible for. To see if you qualify for EIPs, please visit this link. The amount received can be found on the Tax Records tab in your online account and it will show as “Economic Impact Payment.” For married filing joint individuals, each spouse has to sign into their own account to obtain their portion of the payment. For more information regarding the credit, see Recovery Rebate Credit. In addition to that, taxpayers have the option to view:
- The amount they owe, which will be updated constantly
- Their balance details by each year
- Their payment history and any scheduled payments
- Key information from their most recent tax return
- Payment plan details (if applicable)
- Digital copies of letters from the IRS (under the Message Center tab)
What are the next steps if I just created my IRS online account?
If you just created an IRS online account in order to prepare for the 2023 tax season, here’s how to get started:
- Select View Your Account at IRS.gov homepage
- Select the “Create or View Your Account” button
- Click “Create Account”
- Pass “Secure Access” authentication. This is a rigorous process that is used to confirm taxpayers’ identity and is needed to be able to proceed.
- Create a profile.
After completing all of these steps, you will be able to access the features that were previously mentioned. All online IRS tools require a password and will be protected by multi-factor authentication, which offers additional security. Essentially, using IRS Online is a simple process that can help you save time and be more organized during this upcoming tax season.
Related: How to Set Up an Account on IRS.gov in 14 Easy Steps
