Have you ever felt that slight ripple of anxiety when faced with an online process that involves your sensitive personal information, especially when it concerns something as crucial as your taxes? You're not alone! The IRS, in its ongoing effort to enhance security and prevent identity theft, has partnered with ID.me to provide a secure identity verification service for accessing various online tools and services. This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of creating your ID.me account to access IRS online services, ensuring you feel confident and prepared throughout the process.
Let's dive in and get you set up with your ID.me account so you can securely manage your IRS affairs online!
A Comprehensive Guide: How to Create Your ID.me Account for IRS Access
Creating an ID.me account for IRS access involves a few key stages: initial setup, email and multi-factor authentication, and most importantly, identity verification. It's a robust process designed to protect your sensitive data, so be prepared with your documents and a bit of patience.
Prerequisites Before You Begin
Before you embark on this journey, make sure you have the following readily available. Having these at hand will significantly speed up the process:
- A Reliable Device: A smartphone with a good quality camera is highly recommended, especially for taking photos of your ID and a video selfie. A computer with a webcam will also work.
- Strong Internet Connection: A stable connection is crucial for uploading documents and conducting video calls (if needed).
- Personal Email Address: An email address you actively use and have immediate access to, as verification codes will be sent there.
- Strong Password: Think of a unique and complex password that you don't use for other accounts.
- Government-Issued Photo ID: This is essential. Acceptable forms typically include:
- U.S. Driver's License or State ID
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Social Security Number (SSN): You will need to provide this for identity verification.
- Patience! While the self-service option is often quick, if additional verification is required (like a video call), it might take some time.
Step 1: Initiating Your ID.me Account Creation
Are you ready to take control of your IRS online interactions? Let's start by navigating to the right place.
Sub-heading 1.1: Where to Start
You can initiate the ID.me account creation process in two main ways:
- Directly via the IRS Website: Often, when you try to access an IRS online service that requires identity verification (like "Get Transcript," "IRS Online Account," or "Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)"), you will be prompted to sign in with ID.me. Look for a button that says "Sign in with ID.me" or "Create an ID.me account." This is usually the most direct path if you know which IRS service you need.
- Via the ID.me Website: You can also go directly to the ID.me website (id.me) and select "Create an ID.me Account" or "Sign up." If you choose this route, you'll still need to link it to the IRS later.
For the purpose of this guide, we'll assume you're starting from an IRS service that directs you to ID.me, as this is the most common scenario for taxpayers.
Sub-heading 1.2: Entering Your Email and Creating a Password
Once you've clicked on the appropriate button, you'll be taken to the ID.me account creation page.
- Enter your personal email address: Carefully type in your email address, double-checking for any typos. This is critical, as a misspelled email will prevent you from completing the process.
- Create a strong password: Follow the password guidelines provided by ID.me. Generally, this means a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Do not use a password you've used before!
- Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions: Read through them carefully.
- Click "Create Account": This will move you to the next stage.
Step 2: Email Confirmation and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Setup
Security is paramount when dealing with your tax information. ID.me employs Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection to your account.
Sub-heading 2.1: Confirming Your Email Address
Immediately after creating your account, ID.me will send a confirmation email to the address you provided.
- Check your email inbox: Look for an email from ID.me. Don't forget to check your spam or junk folder if you don't see it in your primary inbox.
- Open the email and click the confirmation link: This link will verify your email address and usually open a new tab or window in your browser.
Sub-heading 2.2: Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
This is a critical step for securing your account. MFA requires a second method of verification in addition to your password. You'll typically be given several options:
- Text Message (SMS) or Phone Call: This is often the easiest and most common method. You'll receive a six-digit code via text or a voice call to a phone number you provide.
- Authenticator App: Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy generate time-sensitive codes. This is generally considered more secure than SMS.
- NFC Security Key: A physical key that you tap to your device (less common for most users).
Choose your preferred MFA method and follow the on-screen prompts. If you choose SMS, enter your phone number and confirm the code you receive. If you choose an authenticator app, you'll likely need to scan a QR code with the app.
It is highly recommended to set up at least two MFA methods if possible, especially if you ever lose access to one.
Step 3: Identity Verification – The Core of the Process
This is where ID.me confirms that you are who you say you are. This stage is crucial for accessing IRS services.
Sub-heading 3.1: Choosing Your Verification Method
ID.me offers different ways to verify your identity. The "Self-Service" option is the quickest for most people.
- Self-Service (Recommended): This method usually takes 5-10 minutes and involves uploading images of your ID and taking a video selfie.
- Video Call with a Trusted Referee: If the self-service method isn't successful or if you prefer, you can opt for a video call with an ID.me representative. This might involve a wait time.
Select "Self-Service" to proceed, if available.
Sub-heading 3.2: Providing Personal Information
You will be prompted to enter your personal details. Ensure all information matches what's on your government-issued ID exactly.
- Full Name: As it appears on your ID.
- Date of Birth: Your accurate date of birth.
- Current Address: Your current residential address.
- Social Security Number (SSN): This is a mandatory requirement for IRS access.
Sub-heading 3.3: Uploading Your Government-Issued ID
This is where your smartphone camera comes in handy!
- Select your ID type: Choose whether you're using a Driver's License/State ID or a Passport/Passport Card.
- Take clear photos of your ID:
- Place your ID on a dark, plain surface.
- Ensure all four corners of the document are visible.
- Turn off your flash to avoid glare.
- Make sure the lighting is good and there are no shadows.
- The text and photo on your ID must be clear and legible.
- Take photos of both the front and back of your ID if required (e.g., driver's license).
- Follow the on-screen instructions for taking and uploading the photos.
Sub-heading 3.4: Taking a Video Selfie
This step adds an additional layer of security by verifying that the person creating the account matches the photo on the ID.
- Prepare for your selfie: Find a well-lit area with a plain background. Make sure your face is clearly visible and takes up most of the frame.
- Follow the prompts to take a short video selfie: ID.me will likely guide you through a quick process, perhaps asking you to turn your head slightly.
- Submit your video selfie.
Sub-heading 3.5: Additional Verification (if prompted)
In some cases, ID.me may require additional verification steps, such as answering security questions based on your credit history. Answer these accurately.
Sub-heading 3.6: Video Call Verification (If Needed)
If the automated self-service verification cannot confirm your identity, you will be prompted to complete a video call with an ID.me Trusted Referee.
- Schedule a call or join immediately: You might have the option to schedule a video call for a later time or join one immediately if referees are available.
- Prepare your physical ID: During the video call, you will need to physically show your government-issued ID to the referee.
- Answer questions: The referee will ask you a few questions to verify your identity.
- Patience is key here, as wait times for video calls can vary.
Step 4: Connecting Your ID.me Account to the IRS
Once your identity has been successfully verified by ID.me, the final step is to link your newly verified ID.me account to the IRS service you wish to access.
- Return to the IRS website: Go back to the specific IRS online tool or service you initially tried to access.
- Select "Sign in with ID.me": You will now use your established ID.me credentials (email and password).
- Complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): You'll receive a code to your chosen MFA method (text, app, etc.).
- Consent to share your information: ID.me will display the information it will share with the IRS (e.g., your verified identity). You must review this information and select "Allow" or "Consent" to proceed.
- Complete IRS Account Setup: The IRS system might have a few final prompts or agreements for you to acknowledge before granting full access to your online account or service.
Congratulations! You have now successfully created and linked your ID.me account to the IRS, giving you secure access to their online services.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers to help you navigate common scenarios related to your ID.me and IRS account.
How to reset my ID.me password?
Go to the ID.me sign-in page and click "Forgot password." Follow the prompts to reset it using your registered email.
How to change my Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method?
Sign in to your ID.me account, go to "Sign In & Security" or "Account Settings," and look for options to manage your MFA methods. You might need to verify your identity to make changes.
How to update my personal information in ID.me?
After signing in to your ID.me account, navigate to your "Profile" or "Account Settings" to update information like your address or phone number. You may need to re-verify certain details.
How to access my IRS online account after creating ID.me?
Return to the IRS website and the specific service you want to use (e.g., "IRS Online Account"). Click "Sign in with ID.me," enter your ID.me credentials, complete MFA, and consent to share your information.
How to resolve "email already in use" when creating an ID.me account?
This means you likely already have an ID.me account associated with that email. Try signing in with that email address. If you can't remember your password, use the "Forgot password" option.
How to verify my identity if I don't have a smartphone or webcam?
While a smartphone is recommended, you can use a computer with a webcam. If you don't have access to either, ID.me may offer a video call option where you can connect with a trusted referee using a borrowed device or a public computer with a webcam.
How to find out what information ID.me shares with the IRS?
When you link your ID.me account to an IRS service, ID.me will explicitly show you a screen detailing the specific information it will share with the IRS before you provide consent.
How to get help if my ID.me verification fails?
If your self-service verification fails, ID.me will typically prompt you to try again or offer the option to complete a video call with a Trusted Referee for manual verification. You can also visit the ID.me Help Center for troubleshooting.
How to connect with an ID.me customer support agent?
Visit the ID.me Help Center (help.id.me) and look for a virtual assistant or a way to submit a help request. They also offer chat support.
How to ensure my ID.me account remains secure?
Always use a strong, unique password, enable and regularly review your MFA settings, be cautious of phishing attempts, and never share your ID.me login credentials with anyone.