The IRS has urged tax professionals to prepare for the 2026 filing season, highlighting the benefits of IRS Tax Pro Accounts and Individual Online Accounts for streamlined authorisations, secure access to tax records, and faster processing, while encouraging review of recent tax law changes and use of digital tools to support clients.
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a notice on 29 January 2026 urging tax professionals to prepare for the upcoming filing season.
“Tax professionals can play a key role in furthering the IRS’s mission to ensure taxpayers understand and meet their tax responsibilities,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “The IRS appreciates the support from the tax professional community for its effort to remind the tax paying public about IRS tax tips and tools.”
The IRS urges qualified tax professionals to set up an IRS Tax Pro Account and encourages taxpayers to access their IRS Individual Online Account. When both have accounts, they can complete online third-party authorisations, such as powers of attorney and tax information authorisations, entirely online. This helps reduce processing times and eliminates the need to fax, mail, or upload documents.
To approve an authorisation request, the taxpayer logs into their IRS Individual Online Account, checks a box, and submits the authorisation request to the IRS. Most authorisations are processed immediately, though some may take up to 48 hours.
Tax pro account
Through TPA, the tax professional can also view their client’s individual tax information and act on behalf of them. Using TPA, tax professionals can:
- Request and receive an individual CAF number online, in real time.
- Withdraw active authorisations instantly.
- Make payments, set up or manage payment plans, and view taxpayer information within the scope of an authorisation.
IRS individual online account
With an IRS Individual Online Account, taxpayers can securely access their federal tax information and receive notifications from their tax professional. Taxpayers can:
- View tax records, including adjusted gross income and transcripts.
- Make, schedule, and view payments.
- Check the status of a refund.
- Get or view their Identity Protection PIN.
- Authorise a tax professional to access their tax records digitally.
- View available Forms W-2 and certain 1099s.
Get ready now
Tax professionals should take a few other steps now, such as reviewing tax law changes like those in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, gathering documents and sharing online tools with their clients, to help ensure a smoother filing for both themselves and their clients during the 2026 filing season.
