Taxpayers who do not want to submit biometric data to sign up for an online account with the IRS now have another option.
The IRS will let taxpayers verify their identity via a live, virtual interview to create an account, the agency said Monday, Feb. 21. The announcement follows a massive backlash to its plans to use facial recognition from both special interest groups and legislators.
Taxpayers will still have the option to verify their identity automatically using biometric verification through the program’s self-assistance tool if they choose.
While this short-term solution is in place for this year’s filing season, the IRS will work closely with partners across the government to roll out its own authentication tool. Learn more.