The IRS will require users of its online portal to create an ID.me account starting this summer.
Citing security blogger Brian Krebs, Business Insider reported on a new message on the IRS website directing users to create an account with ID.me.
“If you have an existing IRS username, please create a new ID.me account as soon as possible. We’re bringing you an improved sign-in experience. You won’t be able to log in with your existing IRS username and password starting in summer 2022,” the message read. “If you’re a new user, please create an account with ID.me.”
To create an ID.me account, users must submit several pieces of documentation as well as a live video selfie.
An IRS spokesperson confirmed users will need an ID.me account to make and view payments and access their tax records.
According to Krebs, McLean, Va.-based ID.me was originally launched in 2010 and was primarily designed to help e-commerce sites validate the identities of customers such as teachers or veterans who might be eligible for discounts. Since then, many states have begun using ID.me to verify people eligible for unemployment or other benefits.
The company says it has about 64 million users.