As of late January 2026, there are no widespread reports of major, ongoing technical outages for the IRS, with systems generally reported as up. While the IRS has resumed normal operations following previous lulls, users should check the IRS E-file provider page for specific system updates.
User reports indicate no current problems at IRS.
The IRS has resumed normal operations following the conclusion of the government shutdown, including reopening the agency's Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
Can't track my refund Can't track my refund If you don't see any information on the IRS tracker, it's because your return has not been processed yet. Don't worry-just continue to check the tracker on a daily basis-the information is updated every 24 hours.
Your IRS balance might not be available because the return is still processing, you have a system-wide issue, there's a data mismatch (like an incorrect SSN), it's too soon after filing (allow days/weeks for updates), or you owe penalties/interest not on the main return, but you should still pay the amount from your return by the deadline regardless.
"Having difficulty accessing the Income Tax e-Filing Portal? Sometimes, access difficulties with the Income Tax e-Filing Portal may arise due to local system/browser settings. These simple steps often help resolve such issues: ▶️Delete temporary files → Press Win + R → type temp and %temp% → delete all files.
You may get a message saying the service in unavailable because of a system failure with our application or an error in retrieving your data. You may still see other options available even if you encounter this situation, such as the Get Transcript button or the Payment Activity tab.
You can get in-person help at your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Locate a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you. Check what services are available at that location, then call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment. IRS offices are closed on federal holidays.
You mailed your return less than 4 weeks ago. Paper-filers should wait 4 weeks before using WMR. If it's late January or early February, WMR can be overwhelmed by early filers. Call the WMR automated hotline instead: 1-800-829-1954.
ID.me is up
There have been 3 user-submitted reports of outages in the past 24 hours.
From October 1 to November 12, 2025, the federal government of the United States was shut down as Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year.
If you don't file your tax return by the October 15 extension deadline, the IRS charges a failure-to-file penalty of 5% per month (up to 25%) on unpaid taxes, plus a failure-to-pay penalty (0.5% per month), and interest on the total amount due, potentially leading to significant costs, though you can request penalty abatement for reasonable cause, and if you're owed a refund, you generally won't face penalties but risk losing your refund if you wait too long (usually over 3 years).
Check all irs.gov outages. Irs.gov is UP and reachable by us. Please check and report on local outages below ...
Oftentimes, it can be something as simple as inputting the wrong AGI, date of birth, or Social Security number for you or a dependent. Errors like these are typically easy to fix and can usually be completed within minutes.
Different Browsers: The income tax portal clearly specifies that the following desktop browsers are most compatible while operating on the portal.
You may need to update your name on your credentials used to access IRS online services. If this error persists, you verified your identity without using a Social Security number (SSN). The IRS currently requires this to access online services.
If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice 1 . This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.
To speak with the IRS, call their main line at 1-800-829-1040 (7 AM - 7 PM local time, M-F) and navigate the phone tree by selecting language, then options for income tax and other questions, sometimes skipping prompts to reach a live agent, or visit IRS.gov/appointment for in-person help at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, but have your SSN and documents ready.
Here are four options to find out your status with the IRS.
Ex: If you have a form not available for e-filing, or you, your spouse, or dependent has an invalid Social Security number (SSN), you can't e-file your return. Either way, we'll help you see if you can e-file.
If your federal refund is late, follow these steps:
If no validated account has been selected, the system will show 'access denied' message.