News & Trending Tax News

IRS Just Announced Major Expansion of Tax Service to Millions

How the expanded access could help organizations at a key time.

By Paige Cerulli , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Aug. 21, 2026

Add Us On Google

Filing and managing taxes just got easier for millions of organizations. On April 6, 2026, the IRS announced the expansion of its Business Tax Account (BTA) access. Through the online self-service platform, organizations can perform important tasks like making payments and accessing tax transcripts. Its expanded availability means more organizations can access that important tool, giving them another valuable resource to navigate tax filing and management.

Here's what you should know about how this expansion might help you and your organization make the right moves when it comes to tax time.

Set up direct deposit - pocket $400

Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.

Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY¹ Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. on savings for up to six months (3.10% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.² New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)³ Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26. national average savings accounts offer.

No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus

Reasons behind the expansion

The IRS framed the expansion as part of a broader modernization push designed to reduce administrative burden on both taxpayers and the IRS.

"By opening the Business Tax Account to partnerships, tax-exempts and other organizations, we're giving millions more entities secure, convenient access to their tax information," explained IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. "Digital access will reduce the burden on these taxpayers because they no longer will be limited to paper and phone interactions to perform simple tasks with the IRS."

Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.

Organizations that can now access the Business Tax Account

Prior to the expansion, sole proprietors, S corporations, and C corporations had BTA access. The expansion provides access to partnerships; federal, state, and local governments; Indian tribal governments; and tax-exempt organizations, such as nonprofits. These new organizations will be able to use the BTA for the first time, and the platform may help them save time, improve the organization and accuracy of their tax records, and improve their overall efficiency.

Perhaps most importantly, organizations can use the BTA to perform actions entirely digitally, replacing paper and phone interactions for routine tasks. That digital access offers a more streamlined option.

How the BTA helps users

The BTA is a comprehensive online tool that helps organizations file and manage their taxes. Users can view tax balances, make payments, and review their payment history. They can download digital notices and view eligible transcripts, including payroll and income transcripts. Plus, an organization can see the business name and address on file with the IRS to verify its accuracy or determine if it needs to be updated.

Organizations can also use the BTA to request a tax compliance check, which can help verify that the organization has paid the correct amount of taxes. A tax compliance check may also help an organization to avoid penalties and fees, and a check and tax compliance report is sometimes required for business contracts.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.⁴ Please note that all calls with the company may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating. "Debt-Free" applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Results vary.

Understanding new organization access

Designated officials are able to access the BTA on behalf of the newly added organizations. Requirements and qualifications for designated officials vary depending on the organization type. For example, a designated official for a federal, state, or local government entity has to be either an elected official, the Director of Taxation, or an appointed official.

A designated official for a tax-exempt organization must be an officer of the organization, a board chairperson, or a trustee of a trust.

Since requirements vary depending on the organization type, it's best for any new organization interested in accessing the BTA to review the details on the login page to identify an appropriate designated official.

Access requirements for the BTA

Accessing the BTA is a two-part process. First, new users must create a profile and verify their identity by signing in through the IRS third-party identity authentication provider.

After a new user is authenticated, the IRS must verify their relationship with the organization. This phase also involves confirming what information that user is authorized to access.

Maintaining access to the BTA

Once a designated official is registered, they must renew their account annually to continue to access the BTA. The IRS will send a notification during a six-week renewal period. If the individual doesn't renew by the end of the period, they will need to register again.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Why expanded BTA access matters now

The BTA expansion comes at a key time. According to Yahoo Personal Finance, the IRS has 26% fewer employees in 2026 than it did in 2025. Its Direct File and Online Services departments were some of the hardest hit by the staff reduction, and the 2025 government shutdown impacted the agency's ability to hire seasonal workers to help with the busy tax season.

The IRS was only able to onboard about 66% of the employees needed to provide customer support this season, leaving the agency understaffed. Expanding the BTA gives more organizations access to more resources, and it may help reduce the amount of assistance that those organizations need from the IRS this season.

Bottom line

The expanded access to the BTA gives additional organizations access to this online tool, and it may help reduce the IRS's administrative burden while streamlining tax filing and management for organizations.

The IRS also offers several other online tools, including a "Let us help you" page with information on how to file and amend a return, as well as an interactive tax assistant, which includes articles on topics like filing taxes, deductions, tax credits, and more.

Filing taxes can be a complicated process, but there are many resources available to help you determine where you stand financially and what next tax steps you need to take. If you have any questions when filing your taxes, be sure to consult a tax professional for help.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0 annual fee
Apply Now

Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; balance transfer fee applies. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee
Terms and conditions apply

4.7

Apply Now

on Issuer's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300

Annual Fee

Why we like it