Ask HN: IRS Is Forcing Me to Use ID.me – What Are My Options?

Recently, I needed to get some tax transcripts from the IRS for a visa verification, and realized that in order to do that, I needed to have an ID.me account.

Luckily, I was able to pull one up that I had, so I tried logging in, and when I did, it said it was flagged, and gave me instructions on how to get it reinstated. So I followed the instructions, which included creating a support ticket, and then I got an automated email that asked me some questions.

I responded to the email, and then I waited several days until I got a response back saying the account couldn't be reinstated, and I need to make a new account.

So I went through the process and created a new account. I uploaded all of my documents, and then it told me that I needed to get on a video call to review my documents with a person, and it said I would get a notification in a couple days. That notification came, and when I clicked the link to connect with somebody for a video verification, it had me log into my account, which I did, and then again, it told me my new account was suspended...

So now I'm stuck in a loop where I've uploaded all my documents, but have no way to verify my identity, and I can't access my tax documents online.

I'm shocked that this is for a federal service and there's no way I can find to talk with a human. Any ideas?