By Nathalie Voit

Americans will soon have to take a selfie to access some features of their IRS account.

Beginning this summer, the IRS will update its online verification process to incorporate facial recognition technology and other extensive personal information.

Existing Americans who have an account with the IRS will transition to the new and “improved” ID.me verification method, whereby they will be prompted to provide a government-approved photo ID document such as a driver’s license or passport, in addition to biometric data in the form of a video selfie.

The agency said taxpayers will have until the summer to sign up with the third-party identity verification company.

The new system will be required to access basic online tools and services on the IRS website, such as the Child Tax Credit Update Portal or a copy of your tax transcripts.

However, the agency said users will still be able to file their tax returns without logging in or registering for an account.

“The IRS emphasizes taxpayers can pay or file their taxes without submitting a selfie or other information to a third-party identity verification company,” the agency said in a statement, according to CNBC. “Tax payments can be made from a bank account, by credit card or by other means without the use of facial recognition technology or registering for an account.”

According to a November 2021 press release, the IRS plans to shift more of its applications to the ID.me authentication method over the next year.

The agency said the changes are meant to secure taxpayer information and make the online process easier.

“Identity verification is critical to protect taxpayers and their information. The IRS has been working hard to make improvements in this area, and this new verification process is designed to make IRS online applications as secure as possible for people,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig.

However, a host of users have already reported experiencing problems with the new service, including having their unemployment benefits delayed for months at a time because they could not get their identity verified, WHEC reported.

ID.me said claimants who need additional support through the automated process could contact a company representative via video chat. The company said that users will need to connect with a Trusted Referee over the call to prove their identities.