IDme Account Already Exists - Do I Still Need to Verify for IRS Portal?

Yes, you need to complete verification specifically for the IRS even if you already have an IDme account. The accounts are connected but require separate authorization. Log in with your existing IDme credentials, then grant permission specifically for the IRS application. You'll see a consent screen asking to share your verified information with the IRS. Once you approve that, you should get access without repeating the full verification process.

According to IRS Procedural Notice 2023-17, you shouldn't need to complete the full verification process again, but you do need to authorize the connection between your IDme account and the IRS portal. If you're getting stuck in a verification loop, it's likely a technical issue that needs agent assistance. I've seen this frequently with international filers. When I had this issue, I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to reach an IRS agent quickly who was able to reset my account connection on their end. The agent explained that international accounts sometimes get flagged for additional verification due to IRS Regulation 6103(c) restrictions, but they can override it manually. The service saved me hours of waiting on international hold.

Thanks for the responses! I tried logging in again and carefully followed each step, but I'm still getting redirected to verification. I notice there's an option that says "Sign in with an existing IDme account" and another that says "Create an IDme account" - I'm selecting the first option, entering my credentials, but then it still asks me to verify. Has anyone specifically experienced this as an international filer? I'm wondering if my Canadian IP address is triggering additional security measures.

I think you might be experiencing what's called a 'verification loop error' in the IDme-IRS integration. I've seen this happen when there's a mismatch between your stored verification data and what the IRS portal expects. In my experience, https://taxr.ai can help diagnose these access issues by analyzing the specific error codes in your IRS transcript access attempts. It helped me identify that my address format in IDme didn't match exactly what the IRS had on file, which was causing the loop. The tool specifically pointed out that international addresses need to follow the IRS format precisely, not the local country format.

Has anyone tried accessing the IRS portal using a VPN set to a US location when dealing with this international verification issue? I'm wondering if that might bypass some of the extra security checks that seem to be triggered by foreign IP addresses.

The IDme-IRS verification process is much more stringent than other government services. For comparison, when I access my Social Security account with IDme, it's a one-time authorization. But the IRS portal has multiple security layers due to the sensitive tax data. As an international filer myself, I found that you need to: 1) Use a stable internet connection, 2) Complete the process in one session without interruptions, 3) Have your most recent tax return handy, and 4) Be prepared to answer questions specific to your filing history. It's tedious but necessary given the rise in international tax fraud attempts over the past few years.

I had this exact same issue when I was living in Germany! The key thing that worked for me was making sure my IDme profile address exactly matched what the IRS has on file from my most recent tax return. Since you're in Canada, double-check that your address in IDme is formatted exactly as you put it on your tax forms (including any apartment numbers, postal codes, etc.). Also, try accessing the IRS portal during US business hours - I noticed the verification seemed more reliable then. If you're still stuck in the loop, you might need to update your address in IDme first, then try the IRS portal again. The international IP address shouldn't matter as long as your identity verification is complete, but the address mismatch definitely causes verification loops.

I've been through this exact scenario! Living abroad definitely adds complexity to the IDme-IRS verification process. A few things to try: First, make sure you're accessing the IRS portal directly (irs.gov/account) rather than through any bookmarked links - sometimes cached URLs can cause loops. Second, when you get to the IDme login screen, look for text that says something like "authorize IRS access" after you log in - this is the key step many people miss. Third, if you're still getting stuck, try using a different browser entirely or clearing all cookies/cache for both irs.gov and id.me domains. The international IP address usually isn't the issue, but the verification system can be finicky about browser sessions. If none of that works, you might need to contact IDme support directly - they can see if there's a technical issue with your account's IRS authorization status.

I went through this same frustrating experience last year! The trick is understanding that IDme verification and IRS authorization are two separate steps. Even with a verified IDme account, you still need to complete the IRS-specific authorization flow. Here's what worked for me as an international filer: 1) Make sure you're using the direct IRS.gov link, not any bookmarked pages, 2) When you log into IDme, look for the consent screen that specifically mentions sharing your verified information with the IRS - this is crucial and easy to miss, 3) Ensure your IDme profile address matches exactly what's on your most recent tax return (international addresses can be tricky with formatting), and 4) Try using a fresh browser session or incognito mode to avoid any cached authentication issues. The Canadian IP address shouldn't be a problem, but the address formatting and authorization consent are the most common culprits for the verification loop. If you're still stuck after trying these steps, IDme customer support can check if there's a technical issue with your account's IRS connection status.