The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched a new system to access online services with which your identity must be verified to use "safely the IRS online tools and applications".
The verification process, which is increasingly common in online services, will allow people to access services such as the Child Tax Credit update portal, online account, obtain a PIN for Identity Protection or agreement of an online payment plan, according to the statement.
Other applications and online services will be added to this new method next year.
The new process also features "increased online assistance for taxpayers who encounter problems trying to verify their identity online," the IRS reported.
The IRS uses the ID.me platform "to provide verification services." This is done in order that "the taxpayer information is provided only to the person who is legally entitled to the data."
When a person tries to enter their information on the IRS page "taxpayers will be asked to log in with an ID.me account."
If you already have an ID.me account you can use the same credentials.
"Anyone with an existing ID.me account from the Child Tax Credit Update Portal or other government agency can log in with their credentials," the IRS reported.
If you must create an account, people must follow two steps:
1. Provide a photo of the driver's license, state ID, or passport.
2. Take a photo with a smartphone or a computer with a webcam
Once you have verified your identity you can access IRS services.
According to the release, "the IRS integrated this new account creation process into some applications used by tax professionals, including those used to request a power of attorney or authorization to receive tax information online."
Following these steps is important as the time to file 2022 taxes is approaching.