Yes, you can verify your identity with the IRS through several online methods, but the route depends on what you're trying to do and whether the IRS has already contacted you.

The IRS offers online identity verification for people who need to prove who they are before accessing tax records, resolving an account issue, or responding to an IRS notice. The most common path is IRS Online Account, which lets you create a login and view your tax information without mailing documents. If the IRS has already sent you a notice requiring identity verification, you may also use IRS.gov's identity verification tool or respond through the specific notice itself.

The method you use depends on whether you already have an IRS Online Account, whether you've been contacted by the IRS, and what information you have on hand. Some routes require a video call with an IRS agent; others use only documents you upload or information you answer about yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS Online Account is the main way to verify your identity and view your tax records without calling or mailing documents.
  • You will need a Social Security number or ITIN, a valid government-issued photo ID, and a mobile phone to set up an account.
  • If the IRS sent you a notice, you can often verify your identity directly through that notice using a link or code included in it.
  • Video verification with an IRS agent is available if you cannot verify through other methods or if the IRS asks you to do so.
  • The IRS does not verify identity through email, text message, or phone calls initiated by them — those are typically scams.

Creating an IRS Online Account for the first time

To set up an IRS Online Account and verify your identity, go to IRS.gov and select "Create an account" under the Online Account section. You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and access to a mobile phone. The IRS will send a code to your phone to confirm you control that number.

During account creation, the IRS asks you to answer questions about your tax history and financial accounts — things like which bank you used in a specific year or the amount of a past refund. These questions come from your actual tax records and credit history, so you must answer them correctly. If you cannot answer enough questions correctly, the system will offer you a video call with an IRS agent instead.

Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to view your tax transcript, check the status of a refund, see any notices the IRS has sent you, and respond to certain requests without mailing anything back.

Verifying your identity if the IRS sent you a notice

If you received a notice from the IRS in the mail, it may include a link or a code that lets you verify your identity and respond online. Look for language like "Verify your identity online" or a URL that starts with IRS.gov. Do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS — the IRS initiates contact by mail only.

The notice itself will tell you what information you need to provide. This might be your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the amount from a specific line on your tax return. Some notices let you upload documents (like a copy of your ID or a bank statement) to prove your identity. Others ask you to schedule a video call with an IRS agent.

If you have the notice in front of you, follow the instructions in that notice first — it is the fastest way to respond because the IRS has already linked the request to your account.

Video verification with an IRS agent

If you cannot verify your identity through the online account creation process or if a notice directs you to do so, you can schedule a video call with an IRS agent. During the call, you will show your government-issued photo ID to the camera, answer questions about your tax return or account, and the agent will confirm your identity on their end.

To schedule a video call, you can use the link in your IRS notice, or you can call the IRS at the number on your notice or on IRS.gov. The IRS will give you a date and time for the call. You will need a device with a camera and microphone (a smartphone, tablet, or computer), a valid photo ID, and a quiet place to take the call. The call usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

What documents and information you will need

The documents you need depend on which verification method you use. For IRS Online Account creation, you need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID) and a mobile phone. You do not need to upload or mail the ID — the IRS uses the information from it to ask you verification questions.

If you are responding to a specific notice, that notice will list what you need to provide. This might include a copy of your ID, a recent tax return, a bank statement, or a utility bill. If the IRS asks for documents, you can usually upload them through the notice link or through your IRS Online Account. Keep copies for your records.

For a video call, bring your photo ID to the call itself. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and any relevant tax information (like your filing status or refund amount) ready to answer questions quickly.

What the IRS will not ask you to do online

The IRS will never initiate contact with you through email, text message, or a phone call to ask you to verify your identity. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the IRS and asking you to click a link or provide personal information, it is a scam. Delete it and do not click any links.

The IRS also will not ask you to pay a fee to verify your identity, use a gift card or wire transfer, or read software to prove who you are. If someone claiming to be from the IRS asks for any of these things, hang up or stop responding — it is not the IRS.

Legitimate IRS contact always starts with a letter in the mail. That letter will include a phone number, a website, or instructions for what to do next. Use the contact information in the letter itself, not a number you find by searching online, because scammers can create fake search results.

Troubleshooting if you cannot verify your identity online

If you try to create an IRS Online Account and cannot answer enough of the verification questions correctly, the system will offer you a video call with an IRS agent instead. This is normal — it does not mean something is wrong with your account. Accept the video call option and schedule a time that works for you.

If you have a notice from the IRS and the link in the notice does not work, or if you get an error message, call the IRS using the phone number printed on the notice itself. Do not search for an IRS phone number online, because scam websites often appear in search results. The number on your notice is always correct.

If you do not have a mobile phone to receive the verification code during account creation, you can request an alternative method when you start the process. The IRS may be able to verify you through a video call instead, or you can call the IRS to set up verification by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to verify my identity with the IRS?

Creating an IRS Online Account usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you can answer the verification questions correctly. If you need a video call with an agent, you schedule the call for a future date, and the call itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Once verified, you have when ready access to your account.

Can I verify my identity if I do not have a mobile phone?

Yes. During account creation, you can request an alternative verification method if you do not have a phone. The IRS may offer a video call instead, or you can call the IRS directly to arrange verification by phone. You can also respond to an IRS notice by mail if it includes that option.

What if I lost my government-issued ID?

You can still verify your identity through a video call with an IRS agent, even without an ID in hand. Call the IRS using the number on your notice or on IRS.gov, and explain that you do not have a current ID. The agent may ask additional questions about your tax history or personal information to confirm who you are.

Is it safe to verify my identity on IRS.gov?

Yes, IRS.gov uses encryption to protect your information. Always make sure you are on the real IRS website by typing IRS.gov directly into your browser — do not click links from emails or texts. If you are unsure whether a website is real, call the IRS using the number on your tax notice.

What happens after I verify my identity?

Once verified, you can log into your IRS Online Account anytime to view your tax records, check refund status, see notices, and respond to certain IRS requests. You will also be able to resolve the specific issue mentioned in any notice the IRS sent you.