01 Feb 2022 New IRS Online Identity Verification
Authored by the IRS, December 7, 2021
The IRS recently launched an improved identity verification and sign-in process that enables more people to securely access and use IRS online tools and applications.
Taxpayers using the new mobile-friendly verification process can access several IRS online services including:
- Child Tax Credit Update Portal
- Online Account
- Get Transcript Online
- Get an Identity Protection PIN
- Online Payment Agreement
Additional applications will transition to the new process over the next year. The new process reaches more people through the expanded use of identity documents and increased help desk assistance for taxpayers who encounter a problem when attempting to verify their identity online.
The IRS is using ID.me to provide verification services. The new process part of the IRS’s ongoing commitment to ensure that taxpayer information is only provided to the person who has a legal right to the data.
The IRS integrated this new account-creation process into some applications used by tax professionals, including those they use to request powers of attorney or tax information authorizations online using Tax Pro Account or to submit Forms 2848 and 8821 online.
Accessing IRS tools
Taxpayers will be asked to sign in with an ID.me account. If they already have IRS usernames, they can use their credentials from the old system to sign-in until summer 2022. However, they should create an ID.me account as soon as possible. Anyone with an existing ID.me account from the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, or from another government agency, can sign in with their existing credentials.
To verify their identity with ID.me, taxpayers will need to:
- Provide a photo of a driver’s license, state ID or passport.
- Take a selfie using a smartphone or a computer with a webcam.
Once their identity is verified, they can securely access IRS online services.
See our Fact Sheet on the new identity verification process for more information.
Notification about ID.me
The image below is what you are likely to see when logging into your IRS secure online account. We recommend that you sign up for your ID.me account. This will ensure that you don’t lose access temporarily.
