Expands Secure Mobile Services While Warning Taxpayers About Look-Alike Apps And Scams
(UCBJ) – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched a new mobile app that replaces IRS2Go and expands digital services, giving taxpayers secure mobile access to selected IRS account services.
The new IRS app allows taxpayers to securely access account information and self-service options from their mobile devices, according to the IRS.
“The new IRS app puts more services at taxpayers’ fingertips,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “It advances our digital-first agenda to meet taxpayers how and where they choose to interact with the IRS, whether at home or on the go. Our goal is to make IRS services easy to access and more consistent across all of our platforms.”
For more than a decade, IRS2Go has allowed taxpayers to check refund statuses and find free filing resources. The new IRS app builds on those services with additional account-specific features.
Taxpayers can now use the app to:
- Check refund and amended-return status
- View available balance information
- Make payments and review payment activity
- View select notices and letters
- Access available tax records and transcripts
- Manage certain profile and communication preferences
- Access an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
The IRS said additional capabilities and services will be added to the app over time.
The IRS app is free and available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Current IRS2Go users do not need to download a separate app. Users with automatic updates enabled will receive the IRS app through the normal update process.
Taxpayers can also visit the IRS App page on IRS.gov for verified links and additional information.
The IRS app expands secure mobile access to selected IRS Individual Online Account services. It does not replace IRS.gov or IRS online accounts.
IRS.gov will continue to provide tax information, guidance, forms, tools and services. IRS Individual Online Account, Business Tax Account and Tax Pro Account will remain available through IRS.gov, with the new app initially providing selected Individual Online Account features.
Telephone and in-person assistance will also remain available for taxpayers who need individualized help or whose issues cannot be resolved through self-service.
The IRS is advising taxpayers to use verified IRS links or official IRS app listings in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Taxpayers should also be cautious of look-alike apps, advertisements and unsolicited messages claiming to provide access to IRS accounts.
The IRS said it will not ask taxpayers to provide sensitive personal or financial information through an unsolicited text, email or pop-up message.
Taxpayers who are unsure whether a message or app is legitimate should avoid clicking unsolicited links and use verified resources to locate the official IRS app.
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