IRS Stops Using Facial Authentication Software for Access to Online Accounts

Article Highlights:

• Prior Article

• ID.me

• Treasury Decision

• IRS Third-Party Authentication

A prior blog article posting included an article about the IRS’ plans to use ID.me facial recognition software for taxpayers and others to authenticate access to their online accounts.

Under pressure from privacy activists and several members of Congress, the Treasury Department has directed the IRS to transition away from using the controversial ID.me ID facial recognition verification services after deciding that biometric information is inherently risky and pointing out that many facial recognition systems have deep racial and gender biases.

On February 7, 2022, the IRS announced that over the next few weeks it will transition away from requiring taxpayers to use third-party facial recognition software to authenticate their online accounts. The IRS says that it will develop "an additional authentication process that does not involve facial recognition." However, it didn't specify what that process would be and when it would be effective.

So, you will not be needing an ID.me verification if the IRS requirement was your only need for one.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
I consent to receive SMS messages

Savannah - Primary Location

Looking for business accounting help in Savannah, GA?

2 East Bryan Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Mon - Sat: 7am - 5pm
Sun: Closed

Los Angeles (Virtual)

Looking for business accounting help in Los Angeles, CA?

21250 Hawthorne Blvd Ste 500
Torrance, California 90503
Mon - Sat: 7am - 5pm
Sun: Closed

Miami (Virtual)

Looking for business accounting help in Miami, FL?

66 W Flagler Street Ste 900
Miami, Florida 33130
Mon - Sat: 7am - 5pm
Sun: Closed

Get In Touch With Simply Business Accounting

You can count on us for professional, timely, and reliable tax and accounting services. If you’re ready to get started, just fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
I consent to receive SMS messages