ID Verification

Since our January 2022 TAS Tax Tip: Verifying your identity to access certain IRS systems, the IRS and the ID.me service have made updates to the process for verifying customers’ identities who wish to access online accounts and other systems. Here’s the latest information you need to know.

You now have two choices

On February 21, 2022, the IRS announced that it put new features in place for IRS Online Account registration. The Secure Access Digital Identity (SADI) program, that the IRS uses to verify your identity, now has a new option for customers to sign up for IRS online accounts without the use of any biometric data, including facial recognition.

• Without using biometric data – Taxpayers will have the option of verifying their identity during a live, virtual interview with agents, using no biometric data – including facial recognition.
• Using biometric data – Taxpayers will still have the option to verify their identity automatically through the use of biometric verification. For taxpayers who select this option, new requirements are in place to ensure images provided are deleted for the account being created.

Prior biometric data being deleted

Prior biometric data stored, including files that were already collected from customers who previously created an IRS Online Account, will be permanently deleted by March 11, 2022.

The IRS looking at new system for later this year

The IRS is working to institute a new system after this year’s filing season. The General Services Administration is currently working with the IRS to achieve the security standards and scale required of Login.Gov, with the goal of moving toward introducing this option after the 2022 filing deadline.

More help resources for ID.me (SADI) system

An ID.me Help site is available for anyone wanting more information about the new process changes and for general assistance when using the system. Information there describes why verification is needed, how you can verify via video chat, and how to manage your account. This includes how to keep your profile information current and how you can delete any previously uploaded selfies after March 11, if needed.

For more information about IRS Online accounts, see the Your Online Account page and the associated frequently asked questions and answers page.

Tax-related identity theft information

Identity theft is a separate issue. See our Identity Theft Get Help page for information for individuals or see these business-related and Tax Professional resources depending on your specific situation.

You should also visit IRS.gov IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance: How It Works and Identity Theft Central. Be aware that there are always new scams being developed and identity thieves trying to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers. Watch Report Phishing and Online Scams to keep yourself and family safe and learn how to report scams if you encounter them.

Visit the Taxpayer Advocate Service’s Get Help center for a list of tax topics to assist you with resolving many tax related issues.

For more updates from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, visit the news and information center to read the latest tax tips, blogs, alerts and more.