Yes, you can view most IRS notices online through your IRS account

The IRS lets you see many notices and letters in your online account at IRS.gov without logging in to a separate portal. You create a free account, verify your identity, and then view documents in the "Messages" section. Not every notice appears there — some still arrive by mail only — but the most common ones do, including payment reminders, audit notices, and tax return status updates.

The online system is faster than waiting for mail and lets you act on time-sensitive notices right away. You can also download and print notices from your account if you need a paper copy for your records or to share with a tax professional.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a free IRS.gov account and verify your identity to see notices in your Messages section.
  • Common notices appear online within a few days of the IRS sending them, though some notices still arrive by mail only.
  • You can download and print any notice you view online for your records or to give to a tax professional.
  • If you cannot find a notice online, check your mail or contact the IRS using the phone number on any letter you received.

How to set up your IRS account and find notices

Go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in" at the top right. If you do not have an account yet, choose "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid mailing address on file with the IRS. The IRS will ask you to verify your identity — you can do this by answering security questions, uploading a photo ID, or using a third-party identity verification service.

Once you are logged in, look for "Messages" in the left menu. This is where the IRS displays notices and letters. Notices usually appear online within a few days of when the IRS mails them to you. You can read them directly on the screen, download them as a PDF, or print them.

Which notices appear online and which do not

Most routine notices show up in your IRS account, including notices about payment due, refund status, tax return adjustments, and requests for more information. Audit notices and correspondence about your account also typically appear online. However, some notices — particularly those involving criminal matters, identity theft investigations, or certain collection actions — are still sent by mail only and will not appear in your online account.

If you received a notice by mail and cannot find it online, the IRS may not have posted it yet, or it may be one of the types that does not appear in the online system. Check your mail again or use the phone number printed on the notice to contact the IRS directly.

What to do if you cannot log in or find a notice

If you forget your password, select "Forgot username or password?" on the IRS.gov sign-in page and follow the steps to reset it. If you cannot verify your identity during account creation, the IRS offers alternative verification methods, including uploading a photo ID or using a third-party identity verification service. You can also call the IRS at the number on any notice you received.

If you have an account but cannot find a specific notice, it may not have been posted yet. The IRS typically posts notices within a few days of mailing them, but delays can happen. You can also search by the notice number if you know it — the notice number appears on the letter itself.

Downloading and sharing notices with a tax professional

When you view a notice online, you can download it as a PDF file to your computer. This is useful if you need to keep a copy for your records or share it with a tax professional, accountant, or attorney. The downloaded file will have the same information as the notice mailed to you, and most tax professionals accept PDF copies as proof of the notice.

Some notices require action within a certain number of days. When you download a notice, make sure you note the deadline printed on it so you do not miss it. If you are unsure what the notice means or what you should do, a tax professional can help you understand it and respond if needed.

Security and privacy when viewing notices online

Your IRS account is protected by the same security standards the government uses for other sensitive accounts. You should never share your login information with anyone, and always make sure you are on the official IRS.gov website before entering your credentials. Scammers sometimes create fake IRS websites to steal login information, so type the address directly into your browser or use a bookmark you have saved.

The IRS will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text message. If you receive an email or call claiming to be from the IRS and asking for your account information, it is a scam. Report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov if it was an email, or call the number on a real IRS notice you have received.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a notice to appear in my IRS account?

Most notices appear online within a few days of when the IRS mails them to you. If you received a notice by mail but do not see it online after a week, it may be one of the types that does not appear in the online system, or there may be a delay. Check your mail and contact the IRS if you need to confirm receipt.

Can I respond to a notice through my IRS account?

You cannot respond directly through your account. You will need to follow the instructions on the notice itself, which may ask you to mail a response, call a phone number, or visit an IRS office. The notice will tell you exactly how to respond and by what date.

What if I do not have internet access or cannot create an account?

You can still receive notices by mail and respond to them using the instructions printed on the letter. You can also call the IRS at the phone number on the notice, and they can read the notice to you over the phone or mail you another copy if needed.

Will my spouse see my notices if we file jointly?

Each person needs their own IRS account to view notices. If you file a joint return, you and your spouse each see notices related to your own Social Security number. If the IRS sends a notice about the joint return, it will appear in the account of the person whose name appears first on the return, though you can share the notice with your spouse by downloading and sending it to them.