Why do I need to verify my identity (ID Verification)? (2024)

FAQs

Why do I need to verify my identity (ID Verification)? ›

Identity verification is the process where you prove you are you — and not someone pretending to be you. You will need to create your Login.gov

It's a lot like the process for setting up a bank account. Identity verification is not about whether we trust that you're who you say you are. It's about protecting you from scammers who may try to set up an account in your name to access your information and benefits.

In most places around the world, identity verification uses data such as name, DOB and address to prove an identity is real. We do this because, without it, we can't trust that someone is a real identity, exposing businesses to exposed risk.

More In Help. The IRS proactively identifies and stops the processing of potential identity theft returns. You may receive a notice or letter asking you to verify your identity and tax return information with the IRS. This helps prevent an identity thief from getting your refund.

Identity Verification is the process of confirming that the identity an individual claims to possess matches their true identity. This is achieved by using various methods to authenticate the identity of an individual, such as checking government-issued documents, biometric scans, or analyzing behavioral patterns.

Information you provide is secured and encrypted, and is used only to facilitate verification and prevent fraud. Note: Read our Privacy Policy for more information.

ID.me is a trusted technology partner to multiple government agencies. We provide secure digital identity verification to help government agencies make sure you're you – and not someone pretending to be you – when you request access to government services online.

Verification is intended to check that a product, service, or system meets a set of design specifications.

Identity verification ensures that there is a real person behind a process and proves that they are who they claim to be. This prevents anyone from carrying out a process on other people's behalf without authorization, creating false identities, or committing fraud.

The appropriate persons or bodies who are able to certify documents for this purpose are Solicitors (including a Notary Public), Chartered Accountant or a Doctor.

How long does it take IRS to process after verifying identity? ›

Once we verify your identity and confirm you submitted the tax return, we'll continue processing your return. It may take up to 9 weeks to process.

The IRS sends a 5071C letter when it receives a tax return with your name and tax identification number, but believes the return to be fraudulent. A Letter 5071C will ask you to complete an online identity verification process to confirm your identity.

But generally if your tax return is flagged, you would get some sort of notifications or you can always go to the portal to check the status of your submission. Normally, an internal flagging for further investigation can't be made known to you until the tax guys are certain they need further information from you.

The process of digital ID verification reduces instances of financial crimes, identity fraud and even human trafficking — and helps with AML efforts by providing effective and simple identity proofing starting with the onboarding process.

Simply put, identity verification is a process that compares the identity that a person claims to have with the supporting data they possess. In other words, it analyzes ID documentation and evidence in a bid to authenticate it and prove that its purported owner is who he or she claims to be.

The most accurate way to verify someone's identity is to request and validate more than one form of identification, one with a photo. Examples include a driver's license, a Social Security card, a valid passport, or military ID.

If there's something unusual about your sign in or recent activity, we'll ask you to go through another verification step after you've entered the correct password. This is an important security feature that helps to protect your account from unauthorized access.

When scammers have access to your account, they can use it to log in and you and access government benefits and services, like the IRS and unemployment agencies. This article explains how scammers try to trick you and how to identify scams so you can protect yourself.

Identity fraud

For example, with a copy of your ID showing your name, date of birth and BSN, fraudsters can apply for a loan or set up a mobile phone contract. As a result, you could receive bills for things you did not buy. Do not let your ID be copied by just anyone.