If Direct File sounds like a good option for your federal taxes, let’s get started.
Here’s what you can expect:
- First, we'll take you to ID.me to sign in or create an account
- You'll complete your federal tax return in Direct File
- If you need to complete a state tax return, Direct File will link you to your state's tax tool
Direct File uses ID.me to secure your information and prevent fraud.
- Only the primary filer on the tax return needs an ID.me account
- If you don't have an ID.me account, you need to create one
- If you already have an ID.me account, you can use it for Direct File
You can’t use your ID.me account to help someone else file their taxes.
Create an ID.me account
To sign up for ID.me, you need to:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have state or federal identification (like a driver’s license or passport)
- Have a working camera on your phone, tablet, or computer
- Have a U.S. phone number that accepts text or phone calls
Part of the sign up process includes taking a video of your face to make sure it matches your ID.
If you can't or don't want to take a video, you can have a video call with an ID.me agent instead.
Learn more about the sign-up process for an IRS ID.me account
If you want to learn more, use our Chatbot to find answers to the most common questions about Direct File.