IRS replaces IRS2go with new mobile app

• Key insight: See why the IRS is replacing its old IRS2Go mobile application.
• What's at stake: Mobile taxpayers who risk falling victim to look-alike apps and unsolicited messages.
• Expert quote: "The new IRS app puts more services at taxpayers' fingertips." — Frank Bisignano, IRS CEO
  

The Internal Revenue Service debuted a new mobile app Friday, replacing its old IRS2go app with a new one simply called IRS.

The IRS introduced IRS2Go in January 2011 for iPhones and Android phones, allowing taxpayers to check on the status of their tax refund that tax season and obtain helpful tax information. More features were gradually added. The new IRS will incorporate them, plus others.

Taxpayers will be able to securely sign in to the official IRS app and access some account information and self-service options, including:

• Check their tax refund refund and amended-return status;
• View their available balance information;
• Make payments and review their payment activity;
• View selected notices and letters;
• Access their available tax records and transcripts;
• Manage certain profile and communication preferences;
• Access an Identity Protection PIN.

"The new IRS app puts more services at taxpayers' fingertips," said IRS CEO Frank Bisignano in a statement Friday. "It advances our digital-first agenda to meet taxpayers how and where they choose to interact with the IRS, whether at home or on the go. Our goal is to make IRS services easy to access and more consistent across all of our platforms."

The launch of the new app comes amid steep reductions in the IRS's budget and staffing in recent years that have slowed its technology modernization efforts. They were supposed to be funded by the $80 billion originally provided by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, but those funds have since been slashed by about $50 billion, according to a recent report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, leaving about $8.6 billion for technology operations and support as of March.

The IRS app is free and available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Current IRS2Go users don't need to download a separate app. Users with automatic updates enabled will receive the IRS app through the normal update process. Taxpayers can also visit IRS App on IRS.gov for verified links and additional information.

The IRS cautioned that the mobile app expands secure mobile access to selected IRS Individual Online Account services, but it doesn't replace IRS.gov or the IRS online accounts. The IRS.gov website will continue to provide comprehensive tax information, guidance, forms, tools and services. IRS Individual Online Account, Business Tax Account and Tax Pro Account will continue to be available through IRS.gov, with the IRS app initially extending selected Individual Online Account features only. Telephone and in-person assistance also remain available for taxpayers who need individualized help or whose issues cannot be resolved through self-service.

The IRS warned that taxpayers should use verified IRS links or the official IRS app listings in the Apple App Store and Google Play and beware of look-alike apps, advertisements and unsolicited messages claiming to provide access to IRS accounts. The IRS won't ask taxpayers to provide sensitive personal or financial information through an unsolicited text, email or pop-up message. Taxpayers who are unsure whether a message or app is legitimate should avoid clicking on unsolicited links and use verified resources to locate the official app.

Introductory bullet points created by AI with editorial review