The IRS has significantly expanded its Business Tax Account (BTA) online tool, transforming how businesses interact with federal tax services. This digital upgrade now allows a broader range of business entities, including C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietors with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), to access and manage their tax obligations online.
Broader Eligibility and Access
The latest expansion enables various types of business entities to use the BTA for the first time. Designated Officials (DOs), such as presidents, CEOs, CFOs, secretaries, treasurers, and LLC managing members, can now legally access the BTA on behalf of their companies. These officials must be current employees who received a W-2 from the business entity in the most recent tax year. Individual partners in partnerships and shareholders in S corporations with a Schedule K-1 on file are also eligible, provided the IRS has processed their business returns.
Enhanced Features and Digital Capabilities
The BTA now offers a suite of powerful features:
- View and pay balances due, including Federal Tax Deposits (FTDs)
- Access payment history and digital copies of select IRS notices
- Retrieve tax return, tax account, and entity transcripts—now available in both English and Spanish
- Approve or reject tax transcript authorization requests from lenders through the Income Verification Express Service (IVES)
- Access tax compliance reports and certificates for award use
Business owners can securely store banking information, delegate third-party authorizations, and manage tax payment schedules. These enhancements streamline tax management, reducing the need for phone calls or paper correspondence with the IRS.
Strategic Digital Transformation
The BTA expansion aligns with the IRS’s multi-year Strategic Operating Plan and is fueled by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. The initiative aims to modernize tax administration, reduce paper-based processes, and deliver a seamless digital experience for businesses of all sizes. The IRS plans further expansions, including future access for single-member LLCs, tax-exempt organizations, and government agencies.
Limitations and Future Plans
Currently, tax preparers and single-member LLCs are not eligible to access the BTA; however, the IRS has announced plans to expand eligibility in upcoming phases. New business entities will gain access after submitting and processing their first business return.
Impact on U.S. Businesses
The expanded BTA empowers business taxpayers to manage their IRS interactions more efficiently, saving time and reducing administrative burdens. With enhanced digital tools, businesses can meet tax obligations quickly and securely, supporting compliance and financial planning in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The IRS’s latest BTA expansion marks a significant step toward world-class digital tax administration, promising ongoing improvements and greater accessibility for America’s business community.
