Have you recently received a notice from the IRS asking you to verify your identity? Or perhaps you're simply trying to access your online IRS account and find yourself locked out, needing to confirm who you are? Don't panic! Identity verification with the IRS, while crucial for security, can seem a bit daunting at first. But I'm here to guide you through the process, step-by-step, to help you get back on track.
The IRS has partnered with ID.me, a third-party identity verification service, to ensure that only you can access your sensitive tax information. This robust system is designed to protect you from identity theft and fraud. Let's break down how you can verify your identity with the IRS right now.
Verifying Your Identity with the IRS: A Step-by-Step Guide
The primary method for online identity verification with the IRS now involves using ID.me. This applies to various IRS online services, including your online account, Get Transcript Online, Online Payment Agreement, Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), and more.
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| How Can I Verify My Identity With The Irs Right Now |
Step 1: Understand Why You Need to Verify Your Identity
Before diving into the "how," let's quickly touch on the "why." You typically need to verify your identity with the IRS if:
- You received an IRS notice (e.g., 5071C, 5447C, 5747C): These letters indicate that the IRS suspects a tax return filed under your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may be fraudulent. Verifying your identity helps the IRS confirm whether you filed the return or if you're a victim of identity theft.
- You're a new user trying to access IRS online services: To create an IRS online account and access your tax records or other tools, you'll need to go through the ID.me verification process.
- You're trying to log into an existing IRS online account and are prompted for verification: Sometimes, for security reasons, the IRS might require you to re-verify your identity, even if you had an account previously.
It's crucial to only proceed with online verification if you received a letter from the IRS directing you to do so, or if you are proactively trying to access IRS online services. The IRS will NEVER initiate identity verification requests via email or phone.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Documents and Information
To ensure a smooth verification process with ID.me, have the following items readily available:
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
- A valid photo identification: This must be a government-issued ID.
- Examples: U.S. Driver's License, State ID, U.S. Passport, or U.S. Passport Card.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- A smartphone with a camera: This is highly recommended for the self-service option, as you'll need to take a photo of your ID and a video selfie.
- Access to a computer with internet: While some steps can be done on a smartphone, completing the entire process might be easier on a computer.
- A personal email address: You'll use this to create and manage your ID.me account.
- If you received an IRS notice (e.g., 5071C): Have the specific notice or letter you received from the IRS in front of you. You might also need:
- Your current year's tax return (Form 1040-series) and any supporting forms/schedules.
- Your previous year's tax return (Form 1040-series) and any supporting forms/schedules.
Step 3: Navigate to the IRS Identity Verification Service
There are two main pathways to initiate the online verification:
- If you received an IRS notice (e.g., 5071C, 5447C, 5747C): Go to the specific website address provided on your notice. The IRS has a dedicated "Identity and Tax Return Verification Service" for these situations.
- If you are trying to access an IRS online service (e.g., your IRS online account) for the first time or are prompted to verify: Go to the IRS's main website (IRS.gov) and navigate to the service you wish to access. When you try to sign in, you'll be redirected to ID.me for verification.
Always ensure you are on a legitimate IRS.gov website. Look for the ".gov" domain in the URL to avoid phishing scams.
Step 4: Create or Log in to Your ID.me Account
Once you're on the IRS verification page, you'll see an option to "Sign in to Verify your identity and tax return" or similar. This will lead you to ID.me.
- If you already have an ID.me account: Simply enter your credentials and log in. If you've previously used ID.me for another government agency (e.g., a state DMV, Department of Veterans Affairs), you might not need to re-verify your identity from scratch.
- If you do NOT have an ID.me account: You'll need to create one.
- Enter your email address and create a strong, unique password.
- Confirm your email address by clicking the link in the email ID.me sends you.
- Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA): This is a critical security step. You'll typically be given options like using a mobile authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy), receiving codes via SMS to your phone, or using a physical security key. Choose the method that works best for you and ensure you can access it reliably.
Step 5: Choose Your Identity Verification Method
ID.me offers a couple of ways to verify your identity:
Sub-Step 5A: Self-Service (Fastest and Most Common)
This method usually takes 5-10 minutes if you have all your documents ready.
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
- Upload Your Photo ID: You'll be prompted to take clear photos of the front and back of your government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). Ensure the images are well-lit, in focus, and show all details clearly.
- Take a Video Selfie: You'll then need to take a short video selfie. ID.me uses facial recognition technology to compare your live image with the photo on your uploaded ID. Follow the on-screen prompts carefully (e.g., move your head, say certain words).
- Enter Personal Information: You'll be asked to provide your Social Security Number and potentially your phone number and U.S. address.
- Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the information you've provided for accuracy.
Sub-Step 5B: Video Call with an ID.me Agent
If you're unable to complete the self-service option (e.g., your selfie isn't accepted, or you don't have a smartphone camera), you'll be directed to this alternative.
- Upload Documents (if prompted): You might still need to upload photos of your identity documents.
- Join a Video Call: You'll then connect with a live ID.me video chat agent. During the call, you'll show your physical, original documents to the agent for verification. Be prepared to answer questions and follow their instructions. This method offers a more personalized approach if the automated system encounters issues.
Sub-Step 5C: In-Person Verification (Less Common, but an Option)
While less common for immediate online verification, in some cases, you might be directed to verify in person at a participating location (e.g., certain UPS stores) or at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). This is often a last resort if online and phone verification prove difficult. If this is required, the IRS or ID.me will provide specific instructions on what documents to bring and how to schedule an appointment.
Step 6: Consent to Share Information with the IRS
Once your identity has been successfully verified by ID.me, you'll be presented with a screen asking for your consent to share your verified identity information with the IRS.
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- Review the information that will be shared.
- Select "Allow" or "Consent" to proceed. This is a crucial step for the IRS to link your verified ID.me account to their services.
Step 7: Complete the IRS-Specific Verification (If Applicable)
If you initiated the process due to an IRS letter (like a 5071C), after successfully verifying with ID.me and consenting to share your information, you must return to the IRS Identity and Tax Return Verification Service page.
- Sign in again with your newly verified ID.me account.
- You will then be prompted to answer specific questions about your tax return (e.g., details from your current or prior year's tax return, income figures, etc.). These questions are designed to confirm you are the legitimate filer of the return in question.
- Accurately answer these questions. If you answer incorrectly, it could delay the processing of your return or trigger further review.
Step 8: Confirmation and Next Steps
- Successful Verification: You'll receive a confirmation message from ID.me and, if applicable, from the IRS.
- Processing Time:
- If you verified due to a specific notice, the IRS will then process your tax return. It may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or have any overpayment credited. You can check the status using "Where's My Refund?" or the IRS2Go mobile app after 2-3 weeks.
- If you simply created an online account, you should now be able to access the IRS online services you intended to use.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues during the ID.me verification, visit the ID.me help site. For IRS-specific questions after ID.me verification, refer to the phone number on your IRS notice or visit the IRS website for assistance options.
Important Notes:
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
- Under 18 Years Old: The ID.me system generally does not allow access for individuals under 18. If you are under 18 and need to verify your identity with the IRS, you will likely need to explore alternative options, which may involve contacting the IRS directly via phone or mail as per the instructions on any letter you received.
- ITIN Holders: If you have an ITIN instead of an SSN, you can still create an ID.me account and verify your identity, often through the video chat process. You'll need proof of your ITIN, one primary document, and one secondary document, with one providing proof of address.
- Keep Records: It's always a good idea to keep records of any IRS notices, the date you completed verification, and any confirmation numbers you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to verify my identity if I received an IRS Letter 5071C?
Go to the IRS Identity and Tax Return Verification Service website (the URL will be on your letter), sign in or create an ID.me account, verify your identity with ID.me, and then answer specific questions about your tax return from the year mentioned in the letter.
How to verify my identity if I don't have a smartphone for the selfie?
ID.me offers a video call option where you can connect with a live agent to verify your identity. You will upload your documents and then show your physical IDs to the agent during the call.
How to verify my identity if I'm under 18 years old?
The ID.me system doesn't allow access for individuals under 18. You will need to check the alternative options provided on the IRS sign-in page or contact the IRS directly using the phone number on any letter you received.
How to verify my identity if I have an ITIN instead of an SSN?
Yes, ITIN holders can verify their identity through ID.me. You will likely need to use the video chat verification process and will need your ITIN proof, one primary document, and one secondary document (one with proof of address).
How to verify my identity if my ID.me account gets locked or suspended?
For issues with your ID.me account, such as being locked out or having a suspended account, you should contact ID.me Support directly through their help site.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
How to verify my identity if I can't find my prior year's tax return?
You can often obtain a copy of your prior year's tax return from your tax software provider, your tax preparer, or by requesting a tax transcript from the IRS online or by mail (though this might take time).
How to verify my identity by phone with the IRS?
If you received a specific IRS notice, there will be a toll-free number listed on that notice that you can call for identity verification. Be prepared to answer questions about your tax return and personal information.
How to verify my identity in person at an IRS office?
If you're unable to verify online or by phone, the IRS might ask you to schedule an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). You will need to bring the specific IRS letter, the tax return in question, supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.), and a valid federal or state government-issued picture identification.
How to verify my identity for a business tax account?
For business tax accounts, the IRS also generally uses ID.me for identity verification. You would use your personal ID.me account and can add your work or business email address to it for business-related IRS applications.
How to protect myself from future identity theft with the IRS?
Consider getting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS. This is a six-digit number that helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using your Social Security Number or ITIN. You can often opt into the IP PIN program through the IRS online tools after verifying your identity.
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