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information about your federal tax ac- count. • View the amount you owe, pay on- line, or set up an online payment agreement. • Access your tax records online. • Review your payment history. • Go to IRS.gov/SecureAccess to re- view the required identity authenti- cation process. Using direct deposit. The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and choose direct de- posit, which securely and electronically transfers your refund directly into your financial account. Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that your check could be lost, stolen, or returned unde- liverable to the IRS. Eight in 10 taxpay- ers use direct deposit to receive their refunds. The IRS issues more than 90% of refunds in less than 21 days. Getting a transcript of your return. The quickest way to get a copy of your tax transcript is to go to IRS.gov/ Transcripts. Click on either “Get Tran- script Online” or “Get Transcript by Mail” to order a free copy of your tran- script. If you prefer, you can order your transcript by calling 800-908-9946. Reporting and resolving your tax-related identity theft issues. • Tax-related identity theft happens when someone steals your per- sonal information to commit tax fraud. Your taxes can be affected if your SSN is used to file a fraudu- lent return or to claim a refund or credit. • The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text mes- sages, telephone calls, or social media channels to request per- sonal or financial information. This includes requests for personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords, or similar information for credit cards, banks, or other fi- nancial accounts. • Go to IRS.gov/IdentityTheft, the IRS Identity Theft Central web- page, for information on identity theft and data security protection for taxpayers, tax professionals, and businesses. If your SSN has been lost or stolen or you suspect you’re a victim of tax-related iden- tity theft, you can learn what steps you should take. • Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). IP PINs are six-digit numbers assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their SSNs on fraudulent federal income tax returns. When you have an IP PIN, it prevents someone else from filing a tax return with your SSN. To learn more, go to IRS.gov/IPPIN. Checking on the status of your re- fund. • Go to IRS.gov/Refunds. • The IRS can’t issue refunds before mid-February 2021 for returns that claimed the EIC or the additional child tax credit (ACTC). This ap- plies to the entire refund, not just the portion associated with these credits. • Download the official IRS2Go app to your mobile device to check your refund status. • Call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. Making a tax payment. The IRS uses the latest encryption technology to en- sure your electronic payments are safe and secure. You can make electronic payments online, by phone, and from a mobile device using the IRS2Go app. Paying electronically is quick, easy, and faster than mailing in a check or money order. Go to IRS.gov/Payments for information on how to make a pay- ment using any of the following op- tions. • IRS Direct Pay: Pay your individual tax bill or estimated tax payment directly from your checking or sav- ings account at no cost to you. • Debit or Credit Card: Choose an approved payment processor to pay online, by phone, or by mobile device. • Electronic Funds Withdrawal: Of- fered only when filing your federal taxes using tax return preparation software or through a tax profes- sional. • Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: Best option for busi- nesses. Enrollment is required. • Check or Money Order: Mail your payment to the address listed on the notice or instructions. • Cash: You may be able to pay your taxes with cash at a participating retail store. • Same-Day Wire: You may be able to do same-day wire from your fi- nancial institution. Contact your fi- nancial institution for availability, cost, and cut-off times. What if I can’t pay now? Go to IRS.gov/Payments for more informa- tion about your options. • Apply for an online payment agreement (IRS.gov/OPA) to meet your tax obligation in monthly in- stallments if you can’t pay your taxes in full today. Once you com- plete the online process, you will receive immediate notification of whether your agreement has been approved. • Use the Offer in Compromise Pre- Qualifier to see if you can settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. For more infor- mation on the Offer in Compromise program, go to IRS.gov/OIC. Filing an amended return. You can now file Form 1040-X electronically with tax filing software to amend 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR. To do so, you must have e-filed your original 2019 return. Amended returns for all prior years must be mailed. See Tips for taxpayers who need to file an amended tax return and go to IRS.gov/ Form1040X for information and up- dates. Checking the status of your amen- ded return. Go to IRS.gov/WMAR to track the status of Form 1040-X amen- ded returns. Please note that it can take up to 3 weeks from the date you filed your amended return for it to show up in our system, and processing it can take up to 16 weeks. Understanding an IRS notice or let- ter you’ve received. Go to IRS.gov/ Notices to find additional information about responding to an IRS notice or letter. Contacting your local IRS office. Keep in mind, many questions can be answered on IRS.gov without visiting Publication 972 (2020) Page 13