Identity verification

The controls over the pseudonym program used by Internal Revenue Service employees to protect their identities could be improved, according to a recent report.

The committee’s annual report to Congress calls for ongoing funding of security efforts.

The Internal Revenue Service is making progress on improving the taxpayer authentication processes for its online applications, but more needs to be done.

Starting May 13, only individuals who already have a SSN or ITIN will be able to request an Employer Identification Number.

Student loans can now be used to verify a user's identity.

The American Institute of CPAs is asking the Internal Revenue Service to rethink its proposed changes to the tax transcript process, contending they would delay the process of getting copies of old tax returns for clients.

In its annual report, the advisory committee cites the burdens of tax reform on the service.

The House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing Wednesday on the Internal Revenue Service’s online taxpayer authentication efforts after a string of security breaches in recent years.

The Internal Revenue Service is planning to update its user agreement for taxpayers and tax professionals accessing its e-Services applications online in an effort to improve security.

The Internal Revenue Service needs to improve its procedures to prevent the fraudulent use of third-party authorization forms.