How to Verify Your Identity with ID.me to Access IRS Services
- Viktoriya Barsukova, EA, MBA
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
To access IRS online tools such as your tax account, transcripts, payment plans, or to obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), you must verify your identity through ID.me, the IRS’s approved identity verification partner. This is a one-time process and your verified ID.me credentials can also be used with other government agencies that utilize the platform.
Requirements Before You Begin
To complete the ID.me verification process, you will need:
A smartphone or a computer with a webcam
A government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, or Passport Card)
Your Social Security number
An email address and access to a mobile phone for multi-factor authentication
Step-by-Step Instructions
If you do not have an ID.me account:
Go to the IRS website and select “Create an account with ID.me.”
Confirm your email address.
Set up multi-factor authentication (you will receive a passcode via text or an authentication app).
Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID.
Take a video selfie as prompted on your screen.
Enter your Social Security number.
Review all information for accuracy.
Click “Allow and continue” to authorize the IRS to access your verified identity.
If you already have an ID.me account:
Visit the IRS website and select “Sign in with ID.me.”
Complete multi-factor authentication.
If prompted, upload your ID and complete a video selfie.
Key Insights and Common Issues
One-time verification: Once verified, you do not need to repeat the process for future IRS logins or other government services using ID.me.
Trusted Referee option: If you cannot complete the automated verification (due to unclear ID, lack of credit history, frozen credit, or mismatched personal data), ID.me offers a video call with a Trusted Referee, a live representative who can manually verify your identity.
Frequent causes of failure:
Blurry or shadowed ID photos
Credit report issues (frozen, outdated, or no credit history)
Phone number not linked to your legal name
Selfie submission: Follow the instructions carefully. The system will guide you using color prompts—accuracy here prevents delays.
Why This Matters
Completing the ID.me verification process allows you to:
View your IRS account and balances
Access your tax transcripts online
Apply for payment plans
Manage Child Tax Credit information
Obtain or retrieve an IP PIN
Without completing this process, access to these IRS tools and services will remain restricted.
Need Assistance?
If you encounter issues, visit help.id.me for support or to schedule a Trusted Referee video call. ID.me is committed to making identity verification accessible to all users.
The PDF file, including the picture, is posted on LinkedIn.
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