IRS rolls out a new mobile app for taxpayers

A replacement for IRS2Go

The Internal Revenue Service is moving more of its services onto consumers' smartphones with a new mobile app that gives taxpayers access to information that previously often required a visit to IRS.gov.

The app has now launched and takes the place of IRS2Go, the agency's mobile application that has been available for more than a decade. The IRS said the update is part of a broader push to expand digital services and make routine tax tasks easier to manage from a mobile device.

"The new IRS app puts more services at taxpayers' fingertips," IRS CEO Frank J. Bisignano said in announcing the release. He said the agency wants taxpayers to be able to interact with the IRS at home or while on the go.

The app is free and available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. It is offered in English and Spanish.

What taxpayers can do with the app

Several of the most useful tools are designed for tasks taxpayers may need after filing a return.

After signing in securely, users may be able to:

• Check the status of a refund or amended return

• View their available tax balance

• Make payments and review payment activity

• Read selected IRS notices and letters

• Access tax records and transcripts

• Change certain profile and communication preferences

• Retrieve an Identity Protection PIN, or IP PIN.

Some features do not require a sign-in. Consumers can check refund status, make certain payments and find free tax-filing assistance without logging into an account.

Taxpayers who do sign in use the same secure authentication process used for the IRS Individual Online Account. The app opens a secure browser window for authentication and then returns the user to the app.

The IRS said tax-account information shown after sign-in is not permanently stored on the device. Information sent between the app and IRS systems is encrypted.

Current IRS2Go users do not need a separate download

People who already have IRS2Go do not need to look for a new application.

If automatic updates are enabled, IRS2Go will be updated to the new IRS app through the normal update process. Otherwise, users can update it manually through the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The app currently requires iOS or iPadOS 15.1 or later on Apple devices and Android 7.0 or later on Android devices.

The agency stressed that the app does not replace IRS.gov. The website will continue to provide the full range of tax information, forms, guidance and online services. Business Tax Account and Tax Pro Account services are also not being moved into the app at this stage.

Watch out for fake IRS apps

The release also opens the door to new scam attempts.

The IRS is warning taxpayers to be careful about look-alike apps, online ads and unsolicited messages that claim to offer access to IRS accounts.

Consumers should use links from IRS.gov or verified listings in the Apple App Store and Google Play to make sure they are downloading the genuine app.

That caution is especially important because a fake app could be built to collect Social Security numbers, passwords, bank information and other data that can be used for identity theft.

The IRS says it will not send an unsolicited text, email or pop-up message asking consumers to provide sensitive personal or financial information. Anyone who receives such a message should not click the links or share information.

The new app is still expected to grow. The IRS says it plans to add more capabilities and services over time, with the goal of letting taxpayers handle more routine tax matters without calling the agency or visiting IRS.gov.