The IRS Will Be Upping the Game When it Comes to Protecting Your Online Identity

YOUR TAX INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU WANT TO DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO KEEP IT SECURE.

The IRS realizes this and, as a result, they will soon be requiring users to provide a selfie to access their online accounts. A simple log in and password will not suffice when it comes to accessing the following features:

• The Child Tax Credit Update Portal
• Your online account
• Get Transcript Online
• Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
• Online payment agreement 

In the near future, you will need to provide a selfie to a third-party identity verification company called ID.me for full use of the site.

To ensure you are set up, you will need to create an account with ID.me. You must provide the company with a government document such as a driver’s license, a passport or a state ID. Then you will have to take a selfie with your smartphone or computer which will get you access to the site.

If you already have an IRS account, it will work through the summer. After that, you will need to set up an ID.me account to gain access.

You will not need to set up an IRS account through ID.me to file and pay your taxes. However, you will need it to perform the tasks and access the areas listed above. You will also need it to track stimulus checks and apply for payment plans.

The organization may be expanding its use of ID.me throughout the year to apply to additional applications.

The IRS is urging taxpayers to set up an ID.me account as soon as possible so they don’t end up getting shut out of their accounts when they need information.

ABOUT ID.ME

ID.me uses a form of facial recognition to compare the photo ID the taxpayer provides to a video selfie taken with their software. The technology is similar to that which allows you to unlock your iPhone using your face.

The company launched in 2010 and is currently used by several government organizations including the Social Security Administration and Veterans Affairs. It was previously used by the IRS to process people that enrolled in or unenrolled from the advance childcare credit payments.

THE REASON FOR THE CHANGE AND POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

The IRS is enforcing the ID.me policy to prevent fraud and facilitate the log in process. However, it has posed its share of problems.

People have reported having issues with the software that kept them from getting their unemployment benefits. Others don’t like facial recognition because they feel it can lead to racial discrimination.

Those who don’t want to use the new method have the option to go to an ‘alternative options’ link on the IRS website to request transcripts by mail.

If people are unable to access their accounts via the new method, they must have a video call with ID.me to get verified by a rep. People have reported that this process can take 3-6 hours. 

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR AN ID.ME ACCOUNT

Here are the steps you will need to take to sign up for an account:

1. Sign into your IRS online account. You will be given the option to set up an ID.me account. Click on the link.
2. You will be prompted to create a username and strong password. The password will have to be at least eight characters and contain an upper- and lower-case letter and a number. Once you have created your codes, accept the terms and conditions.
3. me will send you an email to verify your email address. Click the link in the email to confirm.
4. Next you will have to do a multifactor authentication. A six-digit number will be sent to your phone. Enter the number to continue.
5. Now you will need to add pictures of your photo ID. You can upload them or take pictures with your phone. Your driver’s license, passport or passport card will be acceptable.
6. The next step is to upload your video selfie which you can take with your smartphone or computer camera. The phone will need to be in portrait mode, and you must be close to the camera. When you are successful, a green checkmark will appear.
7. Confirm your social security number by clicking continue.
8. You will be presented with a summary of your personal information. Confirm everything is correct by clicking the ‘Fair Credit Act” check box and click continue.
9. Next you will get a text message asking you if you allow IRS access. Click allow and continue. ID.me will send verification to the IRS and you will have access to your account.

The ID.me process may be a difficult adjustment for some people to make but it will be the only way to access some online features in the near future. Do you think it will be a change for the better?