IRS Updates Procedures for Accessing Online Tools and Services

New identity verification process to access certain IRS online tools and services

November 17, 2021

The Internal Revenue Service has updated how users sign in and verify their identity for certain IRS online services with a mobile-friendly platform that relies on trusted third parties and provides an improved user experience. The agency encourages taxpayers to create a new account by using one of the tools listed below. This new process is part of the agency's Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) initiatives to provide more ways for taxpayers to verify their identity and access IRS tools.

The IRS is using ID.me, a trusted technology provider of identity verification and sign-in services, for taxpayers to securely access IRS tools. 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. If they're a new user, they'll have to provide a photo of an identity document such as a driver's license, state ID or. They'll also need to take a selfie with a smartphone or a computer with a webcam. Once they verify their identity, they can use their account across multiple IRS tools and at other government agencies that also use ID.me.

Online applications for individual taxpayers

The IRS has transitioned to a new sign-in and identity verification system for these online applications:

• Online Account
  Securely access individual account information, including the total amount owed, payment history, Economic Impact Payments, payment plan details and more.

• Get Transcript Online
  Obtain various Form 1040-series transcript types online or by mail.

• Online Payment Agreement
  Apply for a payment plan online to pay off a balance over time.

• Child Tax Credit Update Portal
  Check enrollment for advance payments, unenroll from advance payments, update bank account information and mailing address, and view payments.

• Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
  Obtain or retrieve an IP PIN, which is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using another person's Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Online applications for tax professionals

The IRS also integrated this new account creation process into some applications used by tax professionals, including those used to request powers of attorney or tax information authorizations online using Tax Pro Account or to submit Forms 2848 and 8821 online. The IRS will transition e-Services tools for tax professionals to this new sign-in system in the summer of 2022.

Accessing IRS tools

When accessing the tools listed above, taxpayers will be asked to sign in with an ID.me account. People who already have IRS usernames may continue to use their credentials from the old system to sign-in until summer 2022, but are prompted to 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 need to provide a photo of an identity document such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. They'll also need to take a selfie with a smartphone or a computer with a webcam. Once their identity has been verified, they can securely access IRS online services.

Taxpayers who need help verifying their identity or submitting a support ticket can visit the ID.me IRS Help Site.

Protection of privacy

The IRS is committed to protecting the privacy rights of America's taxpayers. These rights and protections are described in Title 26 United States Code Section 6103, Title 26 Code of Federal Regulations Part 301, the Privacy Act of 1974, the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, the Freedom of Information Act and IRS policies and practices. Read more about IRS practices in the IRS Privacy Policy.