How to Create Your IRS ID.ME Account

How to Create Your IRS.gov ID.me Account

A simple step-by-step guide to securely access your IRS information online.

WHY CREATE AN ACCOUNT?

Your IRS.gov account gives you secure online access to tax transcripts, income information reported to the IRS, prior-year records, balances, payments, and other useful account information. The process can be a little tedious, but it is not especially difficult. It is usually easiest to start on a laptop or desktop computer and use your cell phone when ID.me asks you to photograph your identification and complete the identity verification.

HAVE THESE READY

• Driver's License or State ID

• Cell phone with a camera

• Access to your email

• Possibly another identification document, such as a Social Security card or passport

STEP 1 | Go to IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and look for the option to sign in to your online account or create an account. Choose the option for an Individual. If you have never completed the ID.me process before, choose the option to create a new account.

NOTE: If you already have an ID.me account, use the “Sign in with ID.me” option instead of creating another account.

STEP 2 | Create Your Login

On your computer, enter your email address and create a password. ID.me will show you the password requirements. Follow the prompts to verify your email and set up multi-factor authentication.

• Text message verification is usually one of the easiest choices when offered.

• Keep access to both your email and cell phone during the process.

STEP 3 | Verify Your Identity With Your Phone

ID.me will send a link to your cell phone so you can photograph and upload your identification. Before taking the photos, clean your camera lens, allow camera permissions if requested, and use good lighting.

For the front AND back of your Driver's License:

• Make sure all four corners are visible.

• Make sure the photo is clear and easy to read.

• Avoid glare from lights and shadows across the license.

• Hold the phone steady. Turning the phone sideways may help the license fill more of the screen.

• Retake the photo if it looks blurry or unclear.

VERY IMPORTANT

Clear identification photos make the verification process much easier. All four corners should be visible, with no glare or shadows covering the information.

STEP 4 | Complete the Live Selfie

After uploading your identification, ID.me will usually ask you to complete a live facial verification. Your phone will display a circle and ask you to position your face inside it. The screen may flash unusual colors while the system completes the identity check — this is normal.

• Do not wear a hat.

• Keep your face clearly visible and use normal lighting.

• If you normally wear glasses and are wearing them in your Driver's License photo, you may want to wear them during verification.

• Try to look reasonably similar to your identification photo.

STEP 5 | Finish Your Account Setup

If your identity is successfully verified, you should be directed back to your laptop or computer. Complete the final review or confirmation of your personal information. Once finished, your IRS.gov account should be available.

Once Your Account Is Created

One of the most useful items is the Wage and Income Transcript. This can show information that employers, banks, retirement plans, investment companies and other organizations have reported to the IRS under your Social Security number.

• W-2 wage information

• 1099 income, interest and dividends

• Retirement distributions and Social Security information

• Mortgage interest and other tax documents reported to the IRS

• Prior-year tax return and account transcripts

• Outstanding IRS balances and payment history

This can be especially helpful if you are missing a tax document. Your online account may also allow you to make payments and access other IRS account information.

KEEP YOUR LOGIN INFORMATION SAFE

Save the email address, password, and verification method you used in a secure place. You should not need to repeat the full identity-verification process every time you access your IRS account.