How to Create an IRS Online Account With an ITIN
If you have an ITIN, you can create an IRS Individual Online Account.
The IRS uses ID.me to verify your identity before giving you access to your online tax information. You do not need a Social Security Number if you have a valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and can complete the ID.me verification process.
For many international taxpayers, this account is extremely useful because it lets you access important IRS information without calling the IRS or waiting for documents to arrive by mail — and given how difficult that phone line can be to reach, that's worth more than it might sound. See "I Sold U.S. Real Estate. How Do I Recover Excess FIRPTA Withholding?" for exactly how difficult — one client's daughter didn't get through until her 47th call.
What Can I Do With an IRS Individual Online Account?
Once your account is set up, you may be able to view your IRS account balance, view payment history, make or schedule tax payments, check the status of a refund, check the status of an amended return, view IRS digital notices, access tax transcripts, view available Forms W-2 and certain Forms 1099, view information from previously filed tax returns, apply for or manage certain IRS payment plans, request an Identity Protection PIN, and approve certain Power of Attorney and Tax Information Authorization requests from your tax professional.
The IRS specifically encourages taxpayers to create an Individual Online Account because it provides secure access to tax information and can also help protect against identity theft and fraud. For an ITIN holder living outside the United States, having this access can be especially valuable.
Do I Need a Social Security Number to Create an IRS Online Account?
No.
The IRS currently allows identity verification using either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you have an ITIN because you're not eligible for an SSN, you can use your ITIN during the ID.me verification process.
This is important because many international taxpayers assume IRS online services are only available to people with Social Security Numbers. They aren't — the IRS directly confirms that this service can be used by individual taxpayers who have international addresses.
What Is ID.me?
ID.me is the identity-verification service the IRS uses to confirm that you're really the person trying to access your tax account. Think of it as the security step between you and your IRS records — you create an ID.me account (sometimes called an ID.me Wallet), verify your identity, and then use that account to sign in to IRS online services.
You generally only need one ID.me account. If you already created one for another government service, don't automatically create a second one — you may be able to use your existing account to access IRS services after completing any additional verification required.
What Will I Need?
Before you begin, gather your documents. ID.me currently says an ITIN holder will need your ITIN, plus two primary identity documents, or one primary document and at least one secondary document.
Primary documents can include a passport, passport card, national identity card, or other qualifying government-issued photo identification. Secondary documents can include a utility bill, bank statement, pay statement, medical bill, or Form W-2.
Depending on your situation, you may also need proof of your non-U.S. address or documentation of a legal name change. ID.me provides the current document requirements during the verification process itself, so review those instructions carefully before uploading anything.
Do I Need a U.S. Address?
No. If you live outside the United States, ID.me allows you to enter your non-U.S. address during the verification process. When you reach the address section, select your current country and enter your foreign address — don't enter a U.S. address simply because you think the system requires one. Your information should accurately reflect where you live.
Do I Need a U.S. Phone Number?
No. ID.me states that an international phone number can be used for multi-factor authentication. If your international number doesn't work properly for calls or text messages, ID.me recommends using another authentication method that doesn't depend on phone calls or SMS, such as a passkey. You shouldn't need to obtain a U.S. phone number simply to create the account.
Step 1: Start From the IRS Website
Start with the IRS service you want to access, such as the IRS Individual Online Account, and select Sign in or create account. The IRS will direct you to ID.me for identity verification — sign in if you already have an account, or create one if you don't.
You'll need a personal email address, a password, and multi-factor authentication. ID.me describes account creation as a two-part process: create the account, then verify your identity. You generally verify your identity only once.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Option for an International ITIN Holder
This part is important. During the ID.me process, you may see several methods for identity verification. If you're using an ITIN, ID.me currently instructs users to select "I don't live in the United States" or "I don't have the above documents." ID.me specifically says not to select Self-Service or Video Call at this stage.
Then select Get started, and follow the prompts to enter your current address. If you live outside the United States, select your country and enter your foreign address.
Step 3: Enter Your ITIN Instead of an SSN
When you reach the Social Security Number section, do not enter your ITIN into the SSN boxes. Instead: skip the SSN fields, check the box next to "Continue by entering your Individual Taxpayer Number (ITIN)," enter and confirm your ITIN, then continue to the identity-document section.
ID.me specifically provides this ITIN option for people who don't have an SSN — entering the number in the correct place matters.
Step 4: Choose Your Identity Documents
ID.me will ask which documents you intend to use. Follow the instructions on each screen carefully, and for each document, review what information must be visible — your name, date of birth, address, document number, and expiration date or other identifying information may need to match what you entered. Don't rush through this section; a small difference between the information entered and the information shown on your documents can delay verification.
What If My Documents Are Not in English?
ID.me accepts certain international documents. If you submit a translated document, show the original non-English document and the translation together in the same image, side by side. Don't write on your official identity documents — ID.me warns that writing on them can void them for verification purposes.
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
ID.me gives you options for uploading images — you can take a photo using your phone (ID.me sends a secure link so you can photograph the documents) or upload an existing image from your device.
Before continuing, review the images. Make sure the entire document is visible, nothing is cut off, the image is clear, there's no glare covering important information, and you uploaded the correct document. Poor document images can delay verification.
Step 6: Complete the Video Call
ITIN verification may require a video call with an ID.me Video Chat Agent. After your documents are reviewed and approved, you can wait for the next available agent or schedule an appointment for another time.
During the call, the agent may ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, address, and ITIN. You'll also need to show your identity documents.
You Need the Original Documents
This is very important. ID.me currently requires you to have the original versions of your identity documents during the video call — copies or photographs of the documents aren't enough for this part. If you uploaded an image of your passport earlier, you should still have the actual passport available during the call.
What If English Is Not My First Language?
This is one of the most useful features for international ITIN holders. ID.me says its video verification process supports more than 240 languages. If you'd prefer to complete the verification in another language, tell the Video Chat Agent — ID.me can bring a third-party interpreter into the call. You don't need to struggle through complicated identity-verification questions in English if another language would be easier.
Step 7: Allow ID.me to Share the Verification With the IRS
Completing the ID.me identity check isn't always the final step. After the video verification is complete, return to the IRS website, sign in using your ID.me account, and follow the prompt allowing ID.me to share the verified information with the IRS. Select Allow to consent to sharing the necessary identity information with the agency. Once that connection is completed, you should be able to access the IRS service available to you.
What If I Accidentally Selected the Wrong Verification Method?
This can happen. If you selected Self-Service or another option and then realized you needed the international ITIN process, ID.me provides links to correct the verification path — options like "I don't have a U.S. phone number," "I don't have a U.S. address," or "I don't have a Social Security Number." Choose the option that applies to your situation and follow the instructions for using your ITIN.
What If I Successfully Verify but Still Cannot Access an IRS Service?
Successfully verifying your identity through ID.me doesn't necessarily guarantee access to every government benefit or service — some organizations may have separate eligibility requirements. For the IRS Individual Online Account, though, the IRS specifically states that either an SSN or ITIN can be used for identity verification. If your identity has been successfully verified but the IRS account still doesn't work, the issue may be with the IRS service rather than your ID.me identity verification.
Why Should an ITIN Holder Create an IRS Online Account?
I strongly recommend it when you're able to verify your identity. For an international taxpayer, the IRS Online Account can give you direct access to information that otherwise might require an IRS phone call or mailed request.
You can check whether the IRS received a payment. If you made an estimated tax payment or another payment to the IRS, you can view payment history through the account — that can help you catch a missing or incorrectly applied payment earlier.
You can access tax transcripts, which can help show returns filed, account activity, certain income records, IRS adjustments, payments, and other tax information.
You can check your refund. Instead of relying only on mailed correspondence, you may be able to view the status of your refund through your account. This can be particularly useful for foreign taxpayers waiting for significant refunds — including a FIRPTA refund, where the recovery process can already take longer than expected and having direct visibility matters. See "I Sold U.S. Real Estate. How Do I Recover Excess FIRPTA Withholding?" for what that timeline can really look like.
You can view IRS notices. The IRS now makes certain notices available digitally through the Individual Online Account, and for someone living abroad, receiving IRS information electronically can be much faster than waiting for international mail.
You can approve your tax professional's authorization. The IRS Online Account can also allow you to approve and electronically sign certain Power of Attorney and Tax Information Authorization requests submitted by your tax professional — that can make IRS representation much easier when you live outside the United States.
Your IRS Online Account Is Personal
Do not give your login information to your tax preparer, accountant, attorney, property manager, business partner, or friend or family member. The IRS specifically says only the taxpayer should log in to the taxpayer's Individual Online Account, and that login credentials shouldn't be shared. Your tax professional has separate IRS authorization procedures — if I need to communicate with the IRS for you, we use the proper Power of Attorney process. I do not need your IRS Online Account password.
Protect Your ID.me Account
Your ID.me account provides access to sensitive personal and tax information — treat it like your online banking login. Use a strong, unique password, multi-factor authentication, a secure email account, and a device you trust. Don't reuse the same password you use for other websites.
The IRS also warns taxpayers that it does not call, email, or text asking you to sign in to your account to update your profile or obtain a transcript. If you receive an unexpected message containing a login link, don't use it — go directly to the IRS website yourself.
Watch for Fake Video Call Links
ID.me also warns about scammers sending fraudulent video-call links. If you received a link to a video call from anyone other than ID.me directly, don't panic — but do let your Video Chat Agent know immediately once you join the actual call, so it can be flagged and investigated. Begin the process through the official IRS and ID.me websites, and treat any unsolicited video-call link with real suspicion.
What If I Just Received My ITIN?
Once your ITIN has been issued, creating your IRS Online Account is a useful next step. Your ITIN allows the IRS to identify you within the U.S. tax system, and the online account gives you a way to see some of the information the IRS has connected with that number — filed tax returns, payments, refunds, IRS notices, account balances, tax transcripts, and future IRS activity.
An ITIN isn't just a number you use once on an application. If you continue to have U.S. tax obligations, it becomes part of your ongoing U.S. tax record.
What If My ITIN Is New and ID.me Cannot Verify Me?
A newly issued ITIN may not always immediately solve every identity-verification problem. If ID.me can't verify you, follow the instructions it provides rather than repeatedly creating new accounts. Check carefully that you entered the ITIN correctly, your legal name matches your documents, your date of birth is correct, your address information is accurate, and your identity documents meet the requirements.
If the issue involves the ID.me verification process itself, ID.me support is generally the right place to address it. If you successfully complete ID.me verification but can't access the IRS service, you may need to address the issue with the IRS instead.
Do I Need a New ID.me Account Every Year?
No. Your ID.me account isn't a yearly tax account — once created and verified, you generally continue using the same account. Don't create a new one simply because a new tax year begins, you file another tax return, you receive a new IRS notice, or you change tax preparers. Keep your account information secure and update it when necessary.
Can ITIN Abroad Create My ID.me Account for Me?
No. Your ID.me identity verification is personal — you need to create the account and complete the identity-verification process yourself. We should never ask you to give us your ID.me password or take control of your personal IRS Online Account.
However, ITIN Abroad can explain where to start, which ITIN verification option to use, what documents you may need, how the IRS Online Account fits into your U.S. tax responsibilities, and what tax records you should look for once you have access. If we need to communicate with the IRS on your behalf, we use the proper IRS authorization procedures instead of logging into your personal account.
Ready to get started?
Read ID.me's official step-by-step guide for ITIN holders if you'd like to reference the source instructions directly, or run into an issue along the way.
FAQ
Can I create an IRS Online Account with an ITIN?
Yes. The IRS currently allows identity verification using either an SSN or ITIN.
Can I create one if I live outside the United States?
Yes. The IRS confirms the Individual Online Account is available to taxpayers with international addresses, and ID.me provides a verification process for people living outside the United States.
Do I need a U.S. phone number?
No. ID.me says international phone numbers may be used for multi-factor authentication. Other MFA methods are also available if calling or texting doesn't work.
Do I need a U.S. address?
No. If you live abroad, ID.me allows you to select your country and enter your current non-U.S. address.
What identity documents do I need?
ID.me currently requires either two qualifying primary documents or one primary document plus at least one qualifying secondary document for this ITIN verification process.
Can I use my foreign passport?
A passport is one of the primary identity documents ID.me lists for verification. Follow the current document instructions shown during your application.
Will I need a video call?
The ITIN verification process may include a video call with an ID.me agent after your documents have been reviewed.
Do I need my original passport during the video call?
Yes, if your passport is one of the documents being used. ID.me says you must have the original versions of the identity documents available during the call; copies or photos aren't accepted for this step.
What if I do not speak English well?
ID.me says video calls are supported in more than 240 languages. You can ask the agent to bring a third-party interpreter into the call.
Can my tax preparer log into my IRS Online Account for me?
No. Your account is personal. The IRS says only the taxpayer should log in, and login credentials shouldn't be shared. Your tax professional can use separate IRS authorization procedures when representation is needed.
What can I see in the IRS Online Account?
Depending on the information available for your account, you may be able to view balances, payments, tax records, transcripts, refund information, digital notices, certain information returns, and authorization requests.
Should I create an account after receiving my ITIN?
It can be very useful. The account gives you direct access to important IRS information and makes it easier to monitor your U.S. tax records.
If you have an ITIN, IRS online access is not limited to taxpayers with Social Security Numbers.
You can use your ITIN to complete the ID.me identity-verification process. Gather your identity documents first. Use your actual foreign address if you live outside the United States. Enter your ITIN through the ITIN option rather than the SSN fields. Have your original identity documents available for the video call. And keep your login information private.
Once your account is established, you have a much easier way to see what the IRS has on file for you.
Your ITIN identifies you in the U.S. tax system. Your IRS Online Account gives you a way to see and manage that tax information yourself.
