If you’re worried about back taxes or received a notice from the IRS, one of the first things you’ll want to know is: How much do I owe the IRS? Whether it’s a forgotten balance, penalties, or interest that’s accumulated over time, knowing the exact amount you owe is the first step toward resolving your tax issues.
Fortunately, the IRS offers several reliable ways to determine your tax liability—some available instantly online, others by mail or phone. In this blog, we will explain how to determine the amount you owe the IRS and outline the steps you can take once you have that information
1. Check Your IRS Online Account
The fastest way to find out how much you owe the IRS is by using their Online Account.
Here’s how:
- Visit https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals
- Click on “Sign In to Your Online Account”
- If you don’t already have an IRS account, you’ll be prompted to register through ID.me, which verifies your identity using documents like your driver’s license, passport, or Social Security card.
Once logged in, you’ll be able to see:
- Your total amount due
- A breakdown by tax year
- Accrued interest and penalties
- Pending payments or credits
This tool is secure, updated daily, and provides the most current balance information available directly from the IRS.
2. Call the IRS Directly
If you’re unable to access your online account or have questions about your balance, you can speak directly with an IRS representative.
IRS Individual Help Line: 800-829-1040 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time)
Before calling, gather the following:
- Social Security Number (or ITIN)
- Your most recent tax return
- Any IRS letters or notices you’ve received
While wait times can be long, calling the IRS is a good option if your issue is urgent or if your account involves a complex or disputed balance.
3. Request a Tax Account Transcript
Your IRS tax transcript is a detailed record of your tax account for a specific year. It shows:
- Original tax owed
- Adjustments
- Payments received
- Penalties and interest
You can request a transcript in several ways:
- Online: Go to irs.gov/get-transcript
- By phone: Call 800-908-9946 to request by mail
- By form: Submit Form 4506-T to receive a full transcript by mail
Transcripts are especially useful for seeing prior year activity or to verify that a payment was applied.
4. Review IRS Notices You’ve Received
If the IRS believes you owe taxes, they’ll send you notices in the mail. These notices often include the balance due, the tax year involved, and payment instructions.
Common IRS balance due notices include:
- CP14 – Initial notice of tax due
- CP501 and CP503 – Follow-up reminders
- CP504 – Notice of intent to levy if unpaid
- LT11 or CP90 – Final notice and right to a hearing before collection action
These letters can help confirm balances from prior periods, but be cautious—interest and penalties may have increased since the notice date. For the most accurate figure, cross-reference the notice with your online account or call the IRS directly.
5. Work with a Tax Professional
If your tax situation is complicated—multiple years, missing filings, IRS collections, or possible penalties—a licensed tax professional can pull your full account records and explain exactly how much you owe.
CPAs, Enrolled Agents, or tax attorneys can:
- Obtain your IRS transcripts
- Identify penalty abatements or appeal opportunities
- Negotiate payment plans or Offers in Compromise
- Represent you directly before the IRS
They can also ensure that your rights are protected if the IRS has already initiated enforcement actions like liens or levies.
What Can You Do If You Owe the IRS
Once you confirm the amount you owe, you have several options for resolving your IRS debt:
1. Pay in Full
If possible, paying your balance in full is the simplest way to stop interest and penalties from accumulating.
2. Set Up a Payment Plan
The IRS offers installment agreements that allow you to pay over time. You can apply online if you owe less than $50,000.
3. Submit an Offer in Compromise
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount through an Offer in Compromise.
4. Request “Currently Not Collectible” Status
If you genuinely cannot afford to pay anything, you may qualify for temporary relief, where the IRS halts collection activity due to financial hardship.
5. Seek Penalty Abatement
If you have a valid reason for filing or paying late, you can request that the IRS remove penalties. Alternatively, you may qualify for the IRS first-time abatement program.
Get Help If You Owe the IRS
Finding out how much you owe the IRS is easier than ever, thanks to online tools and access to transcripts. The important thing is to act quickly—delaying action can lead to increased penalties, interest, and more aggressive enforcement, such as bank levies or wage garnishments.
By checking your balance online, reviewing IRS notices, or speaking with a tax professional, you can get the clarity you need and take the first step toward resolving your tax debt for good.
Call East Coast Tax Consulting Group today at 561-826-9303 for help resolving your IRS tax problems.