Pages
Stay In Touch
More
© 2026 The Somerville Times. All rights reserved.
*
Q: Is it really worth setting up an IRS online account?
A: Absolutely—yes! And setting it up is reasonably easy.
Creating an IRS Online Account is one of the smartest steps taxpayers can take to stay in control of their taxes. Here’s why:
• See where you stand: Check if you owe taxes—or if the IRS owes you. Many people have unclaimed refunds or “credit interest” visible right on the dashboard.
• Access prior records: View Wage & Income transcripts (W-2s, 1099s) going back up to 10 years. Tax Return transcripts (the returns you actually filed) are available for the current year and prior three years.
• Communicate securely: As of 2026, the IRS offers secure messaging and document uploads for most notices. That means faster resolution, a written paper trail, and no more waiting on hold.
• Track refunds faster: It’s the quickest way to update your direct deposit info—crucial now that the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks.
Bonus for Massachusetts residents: Sign up for MassTaxConnect, the state’s online portal. It’s often more user-friendly than the IRS version and helps resolve identity verification issues that can otherwise freeze refunds for months.
• See where you stand: Check if you owe taxes—or if the IRS owes you. Many people have unclaimed refunds or “credit interest” visible right on the dashboard.
• Access prior records: View Wage & Income transcripts (W-2s, 1099s) going back up to 10 years. Tax Return transcripts (the returns you actually filed) are available for the current year and prior three years.
• Communicate securely: As of 2026, the IRS offers secure messaging and document uploads for most notices. That means faster resolution, a written paper trail, and no more waiting on hold.
• Track refunds faster: It’s the quickest way to update your direct deposit info—crucial now that the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks.
Bonus for Massachusetts residents: Sign up for MassTaxConnect, the state’s online portal. It’s often more user-friendly than the IRS version and helps resolve identity verification issues that can otherwise freeze refunds for months.
Any questions? I’m Vincent Hicks, a CPA based in the Cambridge–Somerville area. Reach out at vincent@hickscpasolutions.com or (859) 553-0788.
Disclaimer: This column provides general financial information and should not be considered legal, investment, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personal guidance.
If you found this article of interest, please consider sharing it.
Reader Comments