IRS App: What It Does, What It Replaced, and How to Sign In

By Forrest Baumhover, CFP®, EA · Last verified October 22, 2026

The IRS app replaced IRS2Go on September 25, 2026. This guide lists what works without signing in, what needs an account, and where the app stops.

What the IRS App Is

The IRS app is the official IRS mobile app. The IRS says it replaces IRS2Go, and that "all previous services are still available."

The IRS launched it on September 25, 2026. If you already used IRS2Go, you do not download a separate app. The app arrives through your normal app-store update, or you can tap Update yourself.

The IRS says the app works on iOS or iPadOS 15.1 or later and on Android 7.0 or later, in English or Spanish. The IRS warns against downloading any app from an advertisement or an unsolicited message. Start from the IRS app page to reach the official store listings.

What You Can Do Without Signing In

You can check the status of your refund or amended return with no account. You can also make a guest payment, and the IRS says bank account payments cost nothing while card and digital wallet payments carry a fee.

The app also links to free filing options if you qualify: IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, VITA and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. A stalled refund status is a different problem, so read Why Is My Refund on Hold? if the tracker stopped moving.

What You Can Do After You Sign In

The IRS lists these signed-in features on its app page: pay a balance due, schedule a payment, view payment history, access and download tax records (including transcripts and information return documents), read official notices and letters, and update your email address and bank account information.

The launch release (IR-2026-114) adds viewing available balance information and getting an Identity Protection PIN to its list. The IRS says what you see depends on your account and tax status.

To read a transcript you pull, use the Transcript Decoder for a single code or the IRS Transcript Analyzer for a whole account transcript.

How Sign-In Works

The IRS says you sign in to your individual account with ID.me. The app opens a secure browser tab for identity verification, then returns you to the app. You do not type credentials into the app itself.

The IRS FAQ says a signed-in session lasts up to 60 minutes of active use, and then you sign in again. If sign-in fails, the FAQ points you to approved IRS support channels, so start with How to Actually Reach the IRS.

Never share your sign-in details with anyone, including a tax preparer or a friend. The IRS says it never asks for personal information by text, email or pop-up message.

What the IRS App Does Not Do

The IRS says the app does not replace IRS.gov, Individual Online Account, Business Tax Account or Tax Pro Account. It does not offer Business Tax Account or Tax Pro Account features today.

The IRS lists payment plans, audit status, form submission and authorization approvals for the Online Account on IRS.gov. None of those appear in the IRS list of app features above, so use the IRS Online Account guide for them.

The IRS says it plans to keep expanding the app and will announce new features as they become available. This page lists only what the IRS pages show today.

Note for Tax Professionals

The app does not carry Tax Pro Account features, so a client who signs in on a phone still approves your authorization request through their online account. See Tax Pro Account for the request steps, and our First Principles article The New IRS App Moves More of the IRS's Work Onto Your Client's Phone for client onboarding.

Common Questions

Change Log

October 22, 2026: First version. Checked against the IRS app page (reviewed October 6, 2026), the IRS2Go-to-IRS-app FAQ (September 25, 2026) and IR-2026-114 (September 25, 2026).