IRS requires identity verification with a private company for refunds?

help.id.me

3 pointsSilverElfin3 comments

Are people aware that the IRS forces you to make an online account for refunds where you need to get your ID verified by some rando private company called "ID.me"? I guess they don't do paper checks any more, so you have to do electronic payment, but this needs an IRS account online.

This seems like a huge risk. Why should I have to give my private information away to these guys? Why is there only one option instead of multiple companies to choose from?

You can still file a paper 1040. I helped my son do it, it took less time to do that and the New York State it-203 than they said it would take to wait for phone support with id.me.

I was able to file without needing any ID.me account. But for the refund to be given to me, they are sending notices (by mail) saying they are only doing electronic payments due to some executive order, and that you have to create an IRS account. When you go the IRS website, that's when you encounter this ID.me thing

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