The IRS has recently updated its website to require selfies as part of its login process.
This added security feature will go live starting summer of 2022. The facial recognition will allow users to log in, check their accounts, view online payment, get tax transcripts and access their Child Tax Credit portal. The IRS mentioned that the facial recognition check is not required for those who wish to send in their tax returns.
Starting this year and when the feature goes live, a username and password will be insufficient to access the official IRS online portal. Taxpayers will be required to create an account and verify their identity via ID.me and submit a passport or driver’s license. They will also need to take a video selfie using a computer or a smartphone.
Existing accounts will still be functional until summer 2022, but they will need to create a new account and verify through ID.me.