There’s a new way to show your federal tax compliance status without sharing your entire tax return. On Aug. 20, 2026, the IRS announced a digitally authenticated Tax Compliance Report. The report is designed for situations in which an employer, lender, government agency, or other organization requests proof of federal tax compliance. It includes your filing history, outstanding balances, and certain compliance issues while excluding details such as your income, dependents, and filing status.
Check the result before sharing it
The report does not automatically prove that you are in good standing. Review the result before sharing it. The result may be compliant, noncompliant, or compliance issue. An installment agreement or a history of late filing or payment may produce a compliance issue result, even if you are actively working to resolve the matter.
Before sending the report, ask the organization exactly what it needs. The report may be enough for employment, a loan, a government benefit, or a similar request, but you will still need to provide a tax transcript or return if the organization specifically asks for one.
Send the original downloaded file
A digital certificate is attached in the PDF downloaded from your IRS account. Send the file as-is rather than using a screenshot, scan, or copy made with “Print to PDF,” since altering the file can remove the certificate. If the certificate does not appear on your phone or in your browser, save the original file and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader on a desktop computer.
Recent payments may take a few weeks to appear, while filed returns may take four to six weeks. Start at IRS.gov, review the report carefully before sharing it, and use a secure upload portal when one is available. Never share your IRS password or one-time security code.
Sources: IRS announcement and IRS Tax Compliance Report guidance.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.