The Internal Revenue Service has expanded its identity verification program, requiring taxpayers to confirm their identity before accessing IRS online services. The system, run through ID.me, now applies to popular tools for retrieving tax records, managing an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), and filing tax returns. Officials say the changes strengthen security and reduce fraud.
Since late 2021, the IRS identity verification process has become mandatory for many services. Taxpayers must create an account, enter personal details, and upload a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. They must also provide a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The process includes a live photo to confirm the person matches the submitted document. Once approved, users can access IRS applications such as Online Account, Get Transcript, and Identity Protection PIN services. The same credentials now work for Direct File, the agency’s pilot program that allowed thousands to file tax returns online in 2024.
To verify your identity, taxpayers must provide basic personal information and upload a government-issued ID. Accepted documents include a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. A Social Security number or ITIN is required to match records.
The process also requires a real-time photo using a smartphone or webcam. The system compares the live image against the document photo to confirm identity. Once verified, the account can access over 30 IRS online applications. Tax return information, payment records, and notices are all accessible under a single sign-in.
For taxpayers unable to complete the process digitally, the IRS offers telephone and in-person help through Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Step-by-step instructions and “get help” resources are available on IRS.gov, ensuring that every person has a path to complete verification.
The new identity verification system covers essential services. Online Account allows users to view balances, notices, and payment options, while Get Transcript provides access to tax records. The IP PIN tool issues a code that blocks criminals from filing fraudulent tax returns in a taxpayer’s name.
The 2024 Direct File pilot, which allowed eligible taxpayers to file returns online directly with the IRS, also required ID.me verification. The IRS said requiring secure sign-in helped protect tax information during filing. Officials described it as a model for future expansion of free online filing.
Tax professionals must also use the verification system when submitting powers of attorney or handling client authorizations. The IRS said consistent standards for individuals and professionals strengthen account security and streamline access to tax records.
According to the IRS, the system has processed over 150 million verification attempts since its introduction in late 2021. Millions of taxpayers now rely on verified accounts to access IRS online services, from checking notices to retrieving transcripts.
During the Direct File pilot in 2024, more than 140,000 taxpayers used the system to file federal returns. IRS surveys found that over 90 percent of participants rated their experience as excellent or above average. Eighty-six percent said the secure login process increased their trust in the agency.
The agency expects wider adoption as more IRS online applications shift to verified access. Officials argue that the system reduces identity theft, protects tax return information, and helps ensure only authorized users can view or file sensitive data.
Identity theft has been a persistent challenge, with criminals using stolen SSNs to file fraudulent returns. Victims often received locked account notices and delayed refunds. The IRS said old authentication methods, such as mailing address checks or prior-year adjusted gross income, were no longer secure.
Earlier systems relied on questions about financial history, but much of that information had already been exposed in data breaches. Fraudsters could easily answer knowledge-based prompts, putting taxpayer accounts at risk.
The Secure Access Digital Identity program replaced those methods with document verification, biometric checks, and multi-factor sign-in. The agency says these policies better protect individuals and ensure that sensitive tax records remain secure.
The Government Accountability Office reviewed the program in 2024. The report credited the IRS with improving access but said the agency lacked measurable goals and did not thoroughly document vendor performance. The GAO recommended more precise objectives, stronger oversight, and regular performance evaluations.
The audit also noted that ID.me’s facial recognition system was not listed in the IRS’s official AI inventory. Watchdogs said the omission raised questions about transparency and how taxpayer data is used.
Advocates for taxpayers stressed that some individuals cannot verify online due to limited technology or identification documents. They called for expanded support, including in-person options, explicit instructions, and ongoing updates to ensure equal access.
Many tax professionals support the stronger safeguards, saying they help protect client accounts and tax records. They also noted that consistent verification rules reduce confusion when accessing multiple IRS applications. Some, however, warned that technical issues can slow urgent filings.
Taxpayers reported mixed experiences. Some found the system straightforward and said accessing IRS online services was faster once their account was verified. Others said they needed telephone or in-person help to complete the process or retrieve an IP PIN.
Privacy experts remain cautious, urging the IRS to maintain transparent policies and explain how personal data, including biometric information, is used and stored. They stressed that taxpayer trust depends on both strong security and clear communication.
The system offers both challenges and benefits for taxpayers. The initial steps to verify your identity may take extra time, but once completed, a single account provides access across dozens of IRS applications. Sensitive information, such as tax return records and notices, is better protected, and tools like the IP PIN offer added security against fraud.
The IRS says millions rely on the system, and more services will be added. For individuals who cannot complete the process online, it offers alternatives. Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov for guidance, use the “Get Help” option for step-by-step support, call for telephone assistance, or schedule an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
By William Mc Lee, Editor-in-Chief & Tax Expert—Get Tax Relief Now
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