For IRS identity verification, you generally need two forms of identification, such as a valid U.S. driver's license and a U.S. Social Security card. Other acceptable combinations include a passport, state ID, or birth certificate, ensuring at least one is a government-issued photo ID.
Documents that prove identity or foreign status
Bring these items with you:
No, you generally cannot use your Social Security card as a standalone ID because it lacks a photo and physical description, but it is crucial for proving your Social Security Number (SSN) for employment, taxes, and government benefits, often used as a secondary document alongside a primary photo ID like a driver's license or passport for things like opening bank accounts or getting a REAL ID.
Three common and acceptable forms of ID in the U.S. are a driver's license, a U.S. passport, and a state-issued ID card, often required for travel (TSA) or official transactions, though specific needs (like banking or federal work) might require combining a primary photo ID with a secondary document like a Social Security card. The key is government-issued identification with your photo, name, and date of birth.
Self–Service: The fastest method to verify; usually takes 5-10 minutes. For step-by-step instructions, visit Verifying your identity with ID.me Self-Service. Video call: You will upload your document, then join a quick video call.
Identity and Address Documents
The return will be rejected and investigated as identity theft/tax fraud if: verification fails to confirm your identity or that you filed the return. if the verification process is not completed, or can't be completed.
Three common and acceptable forms of ID in the U.S. are a driver's license, a U.S. passport, and a state-issued ID card, often required for travel (TSA) or official transactions, though specific needs (like banking or federal work) might require combining a primary photo ID with a secondary document like a Social Security card. The key is government-issued identification with your photo, name, and date of birth.
Two common examples of valid IDs are a US Passport and a state-issued Driver's License, often used as primary photo IDs, while a Social Security Card or utility bill can serve as a secondary document to confirm identity and address. Other valid examples include military IDs, permanent resident cards, or foreign passports, depending on the context.
REAL ID alternatives for air travel and federal purposes include U.S. passports/cards, DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS), Permanent Resident Cards, U.S. Military IDs, Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs), and Foreign Passports, among others, with the key being a federally accepted, non-REAL ID compliant document. If you have one of these, you don't need a REAL ID for domestic flights.
The IRS $600 rule refers to a change in reporting requirements for third-party payment apps (like Venmo, PayPal) for taxable income from goods and services, where platforms must send a Form 1099-K if you receive over $600 in a year, intended to capture gig economy/side hustle income, though delays and phased implementation have adjusted the timeline, with current rules for 2024 using a higher threshold ($5,000) before fully phasing to $600 for future years, but remember all taxable income, regardless of form, must always be reported.
Steps to file your federal tax return
To support your identity, you'll generally need government-issued documents like a Passport, Driver's License, or State ID (primary photo ID), plus supporting documents for secondary verification, such as a Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, or utility bills, depending on the specific requirements of the entity requesting the ID.
If you cannot provide photo ID, you may still be able to verify your identity with: A birth certificate.
How to Verify Your Identity
Your refund
It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.
IRS TACs operate by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 844-545-5640.