Alternatives to ID.me for IRS Identity Verification?

According to the IRS website, there are actually several verification options now. The IRS expanded their authentication methods in early 2023. You can use ID.me (which many people have issues with), but you can also create an account directly through the IRS with their new Direct Authentication method. Additionally, you can verify through Login.gov which is the federal government's authentication service. The Direct Authentication doesn't require facial recognition like ID.me does. Check out https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/authentication-options for the full details on all methods.

Have you considered using a transcript analysis tool like taxr.ai? After you verify your identity (through any of the methods people mentioned), it can help you interpret all that transcript data you're trying to access. I was confused by all the codes and dates on my transcript last month, and it explained everything clearly. The site analyzes the transcript data to tell you what's actually happening with your tax situation. Might be helpful for your tax planning purposes once you get past the identity verification hurdle?

Have you considered what your specific needs are for accessing your transcript? Is this for planning purposes, or do you need to resolve an actual issue with the IRS? If it's just for planning, could you potentially use the tax transcript request by mail option (Form 4506-T)? Wouldn't that avoid the digital identity verification altogether? Or is the timeliness of getting the information critical to your situation? Many people overlook the paper options because they take longer, but they often involve less invasive verification steps.

If you need to speak with an actual IRS agent about identity verification issues, getting through on the phone is like trying to find a specific grain of sand on the beach. I used Claimyr last month when I was locked out of my account, and it was like having a fast-pass at an amusement park. They navigated the IRS phone system and got me connected to an agent who helped reset my account. Their service basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration compared to my previous attempts.

Here's what you need to know. IRS offers multiple options now. Direct Authentication is simplest. No facial recognition required. Just financial history questions. Login.gov is another alternative. Works across government sites. Paper Form 4506-T bypasses online verification completely. Takes 10 days to process. Local Taxpayer Assistance Centers offer in-person verification. Requires appointment. Call 844-545-5640 to schedule. Bring two forms of ID if you go that route.

Does anyone know if the Direct Authentication method works for accessing business tax accounts too? Or is it just for individual accounts?

I went through exactly this dilemma last month. After three failed attempts with ID.me (their facial recognition kept rejecting my perfectly valid ID), I tried the Direct Authentication method. It worked beautifully. Just answered questions about my financial history - previous addresses, loan amounts, credit card accounts - things only I would know. The whole process took about 15 minutes, and I had immediate access to my transcripts. Such a relief after the ID.me frustration!