How Do I Find Out How Much I Owe the IRS?

Wondering if you owe back taxes to the IRS — or how much? This guide applies to U.S. federal tax law and breaks down the official ways to check your tax balance safely and accurately. TaxRise helps taxpayers uncover their full IRS liabilities and resolve them through tax relief programs. You can find out how much you owe the IRS by accessing your account online at IRS.gov, calling the IRS directly, or reviewing any IRS notices you've received.

What This Means

If you’ve missed a payment, filed late, or underpaid your taxes, the IRS tracks that balance and adds interest and penalties over time. The IRS won’t always notify you immediately, so it’s your responsibility to check your balance and stay informed. Knowing how much you owe is the first step toward resolving tax debt, entering a relief program, or avoiding enforcement actions like liens or levies.

Why Should I Check How Much I Owe the IRS?

Many taxpayers fall into IRS debt without realizing it. Reasons include miscalculating income, missing a filing deadline, or underpaying estimated taxes. The IRS then adds penalties and interest, which can grow quickly if left unchecked. That’s why checking your balance regularly is essential, especially if you’ve experienced income changes, are self-employed, or haven’t filed in a while.

Who It Affects

• People who suspect they may owe federal back taxes
• Self-employed workers and freelancers
• Taxpayers who received IRS notices
• Anyone applying for tax relief or penalty abatement

Even if you haven't heard from the IRS, you may still owe. Don’t wait for a letter to act.

What You Can Do to Check Your IRS Balance

Here are three reliable ways to check how much you owe the IRS:

• Use the IRS Online Account Tool: Visit IRS.gov and log in or create an account. You'll see your total balance, due dates, and payment history.
• Call the IRS: Dial 1-800-829-1040 (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time). Be prepared for long wait times and to verify your identity before they share details.
• Review IRS Notices: Letters such as CP14 or CP503 contain your balance due and instructions for resolving it.

Important: Ongoing penalties and interest will change your IRS tax debt balance. Be sure to review the most recent information before taking action.

How TaxRise Can Help If You Owe the IRS

At TaxRise, we help you find out exactly what you owe — including penalties, interest, and even unfiled returns the IRS may have filed on your behalf. Then, we build a custom resolution plan based on your financial situation. Get your free consultation to learn how much you owe and explore your best options to settle with the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a fee to view my IRS balance online? No, accessing your tax account at IRS.gov is free and secure.
• Will checking my balance notify the IRS? No. Viewing your IRS account is confidential and doesn’t trigger any collection actions.
• Can I see balances from previous tax years? Yes. The IRS online portal shows balances from current and past tax years, including any accrued penalties and interest.

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Reviewed by TaxRise Tax Professionals This article was reviewed by the TaxRise Tax Professional Team. TaxRise has helped thousands of Americans eliminate millions in IRS and state tax debt. This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice.