IRS Online Account + ID.me | Setup Guide
Use this guide to help you verify your identity with ID.me and create your IRS Online Account so you can view balances, set up payments, download transcripts, and manage notices.
What you’ll need
- Government ID: driver’s license, state ID, or passport
- Smartphone (preferred) or a computer with a webcam (You will be required to upload an image of yourself for security purposes)
- Email address and a phone for text/voice codes
- Your SSN or ITIN
- Access to your most recent tax return information
Create or verify your ID.me account
- Go to IRS.gov and click the “Create Account”.
- Click “Sign In or Create Account”.
- Select "Individual Account" or "Business Account" as appropriate.
- Choose “ID.me Create an account”.
- Enter your email and create a password.
- Confirm your account via the email link.
- If you already created an ID.me account, click “Sign in with ID.me”.
- Set up multi‑factor authentication.
- Follow Self‑Service verification prompts.
- If Self‑Service fails, use the video chat option to connect with a Trusted Referee.
Activate your IRS Online Account
- After ID.me verification, return to IRS.gov to finish setup.
- Once signed in, you can view balances and payment history, make or schedule payments, set up payment plans, download transcripts, view digital notices, and retrieve your AGI.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
- Name Mismatch: Ensure your IRS/ID.me profile matches your ID exactly (hyphens, suffixes).
- Blurry Images or Glare When Uploading Images: Use bright, even light; clean your lens; hold the ID flat.
- No smartphone? Use a computer with a webcam or choose a voice call for verification codes.
- Credit Freeze: Temporarily lift freezes with credit bureaus before verifying.
- Locked ID.me account: Use account recovery, then retry verification.
Helpful Links
- Sign in/Create Your IRS Online Account
- ID.me Help Center
- IRS.gov Help Center
Questions? Your Boyer & Ritter Tax Professional may be able to guide you through the process.
