States Require Driver's License for E-Filing Tax Returns
For individual filers who are required to e-file their income tax returns, don’t be surprised to hear your accountant tell you she needs a copy of your driver’s license or state ID in order to process your filing.
During this tax filing season, more and more states are requiring tax return preparers to include driver’s license numbers (or another form of state-issued identification) on e-filings, as a measure to help combat identity and refund theft.
In states that require it, failing to include this mandatory information will prevent accountants from e-filing taxpayers’ return. (On the bright side, providing this information may help state taxing authorities process tax returns more quickly).
As of this writing, the following states either require or request a driver’s license number or other state identification to be included with the e-filing of state returns:
- Alabama.
- California.
- Illinois.
- Kansas.
- Louisiana.
- New York.
- Ohio.
- Virginia.
- Wisconsin.
It is optional, for now, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
However, many state preparation software programs may still require the ID in order to process returns, regardless of the state filing requirements. Filers may need to check with their providers to see if this is a requirement with their service provider.
Currently, a driver’s license or other state-issued ID is not required to file a federal return.
The tax advisors at Marcum LLP will be requesting this information from our individual tax clients, effective for the 2016 tax year. Joint filers will need to provide the identification for each spouse.
Should you have any questions concerning this Tax Flash, please contact your Marcum tax professional.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
https://www.irs.gov/uac/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft
https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/irs-and-industry-and-states-take-new-steps-together-to-fight-identity-theft-and-protect-taxpayers
https://www.tax.ny.gov/tp/driverlicense.htm
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/pit/driver-license-requirements.pdf
