IRS online applications restricted by Credit Freezes

[Lee B]

Copied from the CALT website:

 

Security Freeze May Freeze Taxpayers Out of IRS Online Applications

 

In the wake of numerous high-profile financial data breaches, many Americans have asked credit reporting agencies to put a security freeze on their accounts. This may cause a problem for taxpayers seeking to use IRS online applications.

 

IRS enlists third-party credit reporting agencies to authenticate the identity of certain users when they register to use certain online services or attempt to use the service with guest access. If a security freeze has been placed on the user’s account, the taxpayer will be unable to pass the verification process when attempting to use an IRS.gov application that employs the eAuthentication system (e.g., IP PIN, Get Transcript, etc.).  

 

If you or your clients need to use one of these systems, you must contact the credit reporting agencies and ask them to temporarily remove the security freeze.  This will allow you to register for an online service or use the "Guest Access" feature on IRS.gov eAuthentication systems.  Once you have been successfully registered, the security freeze may be restored to the account

[Terry D EA]

I think it odd that we would be able to contact any credit reporting agency and get a freeze removed from someone's credit file. The client may be able to do this but probably not us.