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The IRS app replaced IRS2Go: what it does now

The refund tracker on your phone got a new name and a lot more to do. Existing users do not need a new download, and the IRS is warning about fake apps already.

Published by Eigenlabs · Last reviewed · 3 min read · 2 sources · Editorial method · AI use

Estimate your 2026 federal income tax
01

What changed

IRS2Go became the IRS app on September 25, 2026.

In news release IR-2026-114, the IRS announced that its mobile app, IRS2Go, is now the IRS app. For more than a decade IRS2Go mostly checked refund status and pointed people to free filing. The new app adds secure access to selected services from the IRS Individual Online Account. It is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, in English or Spanish. If you already had IRS2Go, you do not need to download anything: with automatic updates on, the app updates itself; otherwise, update it manually in the store.

02

What you can do in it

Signed in, and without signing in.

Signed in with ID.meWithout signing in
Refund and amended-return statusRefund and amended-return status
Balance information, payments, and payment historyGuest payments: bank account for free, or card or digital wallet for a fee
Select notices and lettersFree filing options: IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, VITA, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Tax records and transcriptsLinks to IRS.gov topics and contact options
Profile and communication preferences
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

The IRS says this is the start and that more features will be added over time.

03

Signing in

ID.me, in a secure browser tab.

The account features need the same sign-in as the IRS Individual Online Account. The app opens a secure browser tab to verify your identity with ID.me and then returns you to the app. If you have never verified with ID.me, set it up before the filing season rush; you will need it to see notices, transcripts, or your IP PIN in the app.

04

What it does not replace

IRS.gov and the online accounts stay.

The IRS is explicit that the app expands mobile access to selected Individual Online Account features; it does not replace IRS.gov or the online accounts. The full Individual Online Account, the Business Tax Account, and the Tax Pro Account continue on IRS.gov, and telephone and in-person help remain for problems self-service cannot solve. For the tax itself, see the 2026 tax brackets.

05

Watch for look-alike apps

The warning came with the launch.

The IRS warned taxpayers on launch day to be cautious of look-alike apps, advertisements, and unsolicited messages claiming to give access to IRS accounts. Its rules of thumb:

  • Install the app only from the official App Store and Google Play listings linked on IRS.gov.
  • Do not download apps from ads or links in texts and emails.
  • The IRS does not ask for sensitive personal or financial information by unsolicited text, email, or pop-up message.
  • Report a look-alike app at IRS.gov/submitatip.

A message demanding payment by gift card is a scam whatever logo it carries; see gift card scams and how to spot phishing.

2 SOURCESSource ledger

Check the basis.

  1. 01Internal Revenue Service — IRS launches new mobile app, expanding digital services for taxpayers (IR-2026-114) ↗
  2. 02Internal Revenue Service — IRS app ↗

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QUESTIONS THIS ANSWERS

Questions this answers

Is the IRS app the same as IRS2Go?

Yes. The IRS says the name changed and new features were added, but all previous services are still available. Current IRS2Go users do not need to download a separate app; it updates through the App Store or Google Play.

What can you do in the IRS app?

After signing in with ID.me: check refund and amended-return status, see balance information, make payments and review payment history, read select notices and letters, download tax records and transcripts, update some profile preferences, and get an Identity Protection PIN.

How do I know the IRS app is real?

Download it only through the links on IRS.gov to the Apple App Store and Google Play. The IRS says not to install apps from ads or unsolicited messages, and that it never asks for personal information by text, email, or pop-up.