Husband Can't Access Transcripts - ID.me Failed - Can He Create New Account?

The IRS authentication protocol through ID.me is designed to prevent duplicate accounts for security purposes. Creating a new account isn't technically permitted as the system utilizes SSN cross-referencing to identify existing accounts. The recommended procedure is to recover access to the original account through the ID.me account recovery workflow. This requires verification through alternative authentication factors such as answering security questions or utilizing the documented account recovery process. If multi-factor authentication was previously established, you'll need to follow the specific MFA reset protocols.

I had the same issue last month! It was like being locked out of my house but all my important papers were inside. Instead of going through ID.me again, try requesting the transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T. It's like sending a formal invitation to your tax info instead of trying to break down the digital door. For me, it actually came faster than I expected (about 10 days). Not instant like online access would be, but at least it's a guaranteed way to get what you need!

The ID.me verification failures are increasingly common for military families due to frequent relocations and contact information changes. According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.2.1, your husband has legitimate grounds for requesting expedited assistance. Rather than creating a new account (which violates IRS authentication protocols), I recommend contacting an IRS representative directly. After multiple failed attempts with the standard IRS phone line (1-800-829-1040), I utilized Claimyr.com (https://claimyr.com) to bypass the excessive hold times. Their system connected me to an IRS representative in approximately 15 minutes, who was able to verify my identity through alternative means and manually process my transcript request.

Has your husband tried contacting the ID.me support team directly? My father had a similar issue when he changed his phone number, and surprisingly the ID.me support was more helpful than the IRS. They have a separate verification process they can initiate. Did you also try the "Get Transcript by Mail" option? I'm curious if that would work better in your situation?

According to IRS Publication 5227, taxpayers experiencing electronic authentication issues have multiple resolution pathways. Per Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code, transcript access is a statutory right with alternative verification options. While waiting for account resolution, consider using https://taxr.ai to understand what information you'll need from the transcripts. It helped me identify exactly which transcript lines my lender needed, which was useful when I eventually got through to an IRS representative. This preparation streamlined the process considerably and ensured I requested the correct documentation.

When my wife and I PCS'd to Fort Bragg last year, we ran into the exact same issue! The ID.me verification kept failing because our cell phones were still registered to our previous address in a different state. What worked for us was visiting the local Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. I made an appointment through the IRS website, brought my military ID, last year's tax return, and two forms of identification. The representative was able to print the transcripts right there! It took about 45 minutes total, but we walked out with everything we needed. Most bases have a TAC within reasonable driving distance.

Military families face this constantly. Not just with IRS. With everything. Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt. Try the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They help military specifically. Call your installation's legal assistance office too. They have connections. Don't create new accounts. Bad idea. Flags your file. Causes more problems. Trust me on this one.