The IRS has recently faced controversy over its online identity verification system. Currently, the IRS allows individuals to verify their identity online if they have received certain letters and their financial and phone information is based in the US, or if they have been directed to do so by an IRS representative.

The agency’s current system for online identity verification is in flux due to controversy and discord, and changes are being considered. To understand the current state of this issue and any upcoming changes, it is helpful to first understand the process of online IRS identity verification.

Verifying your Identity Online with the IRS

The IRS allows individuals to verify their identity online if they meet certain conditions. These include having received certain letters and having financial and phone information based in the U.S. or being directed to use the system by an IRS representative. You must also have photo identification and either an existing ID.me account or IRS username, as well as the Form 1040-series tax return for the year shown on the letter.

Once you meet these requirements, you can create an ID.me account or log into your existing account to complete the online verification process. ID.me is a technology company that provides secure digital identity verification services for government agencies, and it is contracted by the IRS for this purpose.

ID.me: Online Facial Recognition For Identity Verification

ID.me is a technology company that provides secure digital identity verification services to help government agencies confirm that individuals requesting access to government services online are who they claim to be. In 2021, the IRS signed a two-year, $86 million contract with ID.me to allow Americans to verify their identity online. However, the contract has faced controversy due to concerns about the collection of biometric data by ID.me. As a result, changes to the current system may be forthcoming.

Schedule Consultation with FedBiz Specialist

ID.me’s services are designed to help government agencies confirm that users requesting access to online services are who they claim to be. The company uses biometric data, such as facial recognition, to verify identities. However, the collection and use of biometric data have raised concerns about privacy and security.

As a result, there has been backlash and controversy surrounding the IRS’s contract with ID.me. It is currently unclear what changes, if any, will be made to the system in the future.

Some have suggested alternatives, such as the government’s own authentication service, Login.gov, which does not use facial recognition technology and instead relies on more traditional methods of identity verification. Ultimately, the resolution of this issue will likely depend on the balance between security and privacy concerns, as well as the effectiveness of different identity verification methods.

ID.me IRS Online Verification Backlash

The IRS’s use of ID.me’s facial recognition tech was met with opposition and debate. Investigative report, Tonya Riley, recently highlighted issues of biometric data collection by a private firm and data security. Lawmakers questioned the necessity of facial recognition and sought answers from the IRS. More, the IRS had to contemplate altering its decision when the central management office refused to utilize the service.

To verify their identity online with ID.me, individuals are required to upload a photo and undergo a face detection process. This process involves ID.me’s facial recognition system comparing the uploaded photo to a database of biometric data to determine if the person’s face matches the data on file. Some have raised concerns about the accuracy and reliability of this face recognition system, as well as the security of the personal information being submitted and stored by ID.me.

Additionally, there have been questions about why the IRS decided to use ID.me’s facial recognition technology in the first place, and what measures are being taken to protect individuals’ personal information.

The IRS has stated that it plans to work with the General Services Administration (GSA) to further roll out Login.gov, an alternative identity proofing service that does not use biometric technology after the 2022 tax filing season has concluded. It is currently unclear how these developments will affect the use of ID.me’s services in the future.

Login.gov is a secure and easy way to verify your identity online, without the need for face detection or uploading a photo. Instead, it uses traditional methods such as government records and credit reports to verify individuals’ identities. After the 2022 tax filing season has concluded, the IRS plans to implement Login.gov as its primary tool for online identity verification.

It is important for individuals to keep their personal information, such as their social security number and government-issued ID, secure when interacting with law enforcement agencies or other government entities.

Summary: IRS Identity Verification Issues Highlight Larger Frustrations

The process of verifying identity online with the IRS has recently been the subject of controversy. The IRS initially contracted with ID.me, a technology company that uses biometric data and facial feature recognition to verify identities. However, the collection of such sensitive personal data by a third-party private company has raised concerns about security and privacy.

In response, the IRS has announced plans to work with the General Services Administration (GSA) to implement Login.gov, a service that uses traditional methods such as government records and credit reports to verify identities. Working with professionals like those at FedBiz Access can help individuals navigate the challenges of interacting with the federal government. We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as needed.

If you have any further questions, contact a firm like FedBiz Access. They have an experienced team that takes the time to get to know your business and ask questions to ensure you understand government contracting and dealing with the government. From registration to award, FedBiz Access helps businesses succeed in the government marketplace.

Schedule Consultation with FedBiz Specialist