Understanding ID.me and How to Set Up Your IRS Online Wallet

The IRS now requires many taxpayers to verify their identity through ID.me in order to access secure online services. While this extra step may feel unfamiliar, it plays an important role in protecting sensitive tax information and preventing identity theft.

This guide explains what ID.me is, why the IRS uses it, and how to set up your ID.me account step by step.

What Is ID.me?

ID.me is a third‑party identity verification service used by the IRS and other government agencies to securely confirm a user’s identity before granting access to online tools. The IRS uses ID.me to help safeguard taxpayer data and reduce fraud when individuals access digital services such as viewing tax records, managing payments, or checking refund status.

Once your identity is verified, your ID.me account can be reused to access multiple IRS services without repeating the verification process.

IRS Services That Use ID.me

After completing ID.me verification, taxpayers can securely access a variety of IRS online tools, including:

IRS Individual Online Account
Tax transcripts
Online payment agreements
Payment history and balances
Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) requests

These services all require identity verification to ensure only authorized users can view or manage tax information.

Information Needed to Set Up ID.me Wallet

To set up your ID.me Wallet (account) for IRS access, have the following ready:

A valid government‑issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
Your Social Security number or ITIN
An email address
A mobile phone or device with a camera for identity verification
A phone number for multi‑factor authentication (MFA)

Having these items prepared helps avoid delays during the setup process.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Set Up Your ID.me Account for the IRS

Step 1: Go to IRS.gov and Start the Sign‑In Process

Visit IRS.gov and select Sign in with ID.me when prompted to access an IRS online service.

Step 2: Create an ID.me Account

If you do not already have an ID.me account:

Enter your email address
Create a password
Confirm your email

If you already use ID.me with another government agency, you may be able to sign in with your existing credentials. [irs.gov]

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

ID.me will prompt you to verify your identity using one of the following methods:

Self‑service verification, which typically involves uploading photos of your ID and taking a photo.
Video call verification with an ID.me agent if automated verification is unsuccessful.

This step confirms that you are the individual associated with the tax records being accessed.

Step 4: Set Up Multi‑Factor Authentication

You will be asked to choose a multi‑factor authentication method, such as a text message or authentication app. This adds an extra layer of security to your account.

Step 5: Grant Consent and Access IRS Services

Once your identity is verified, you will be asked to consent to sharing your verified information with the IRS. After granting consent, you can immediately access IRS online tools using your ID.me login.

Common Questions About ID.me

Does creating an ID.me account mean I’m being audited?
No. ID.me is a standard security requirement for online access and does not indicate an audit or IRS issue.

Do I have to create an ID.me account to make an IRS payment?
Some payment options, such as IRS Direct Pay, do not require logging into an account. However, accessing your IRS Online Account or setting up payment plans typically requires ID.me verification.

What if I have trouble verifying my identity?
ID.me provides support options, including live video verification and troubleshooting resources. The IRS also offers alternative access methods for certain services if identity verification cannot be completed online.

Why This Matters

As the IRS continues to modernize and expand digital services, identity‑verified access is becoming the standard. Setting up your ID.me account early can make it easier to manage refunds, payments, and tax records—especially during peak filing seasons.

If you need help navigating IRS online tools or understanding how ID.me fits into your tax situation, a tax professional can assist you and help ensure everything is set up correctly.

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax advice. Tax laws and IRS procedures are subject to change. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.

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