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Common questions

Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) question generation

Learn how SafeSend generates KBA questions, how taxpayers pass verification, and what to do when identity information is incorrect or unavailable.
SafeSend lets firms use Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions to verify a taxpayer's identity before granting access to sensitive information. In certain cases, the IRS requires it. These questions come from an integration with LexisNexis, a global provider of legal, regulatory, and business analytics.
Other companies besides SafeSend also use KBA questions.
KBA questions are a standard industry practice frequently used by banks and other financial service companies. The data used to generate those questions comes from various public record sources including credit report agencies, rideshare services, and cellphone providers. LexisNexis pools its data from over 400 different sources.
note
SafeSend doesn’t control which sources LexisNexis uses, nor can we change any questions or answers that are a part of the KBA process. Individuals will need to file a dispute with LexisNexis directly to correct any information. Visit the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Consumer Portal to learn how to request a copy of your identity report and how to raise a dispute.
When SafeSend shows KBA questions, a person's credit score is not affected.
While LexisNexis receives information from credit reporting agencies, they don’t perform a credit pull. LexisNexis updates its databases frequently to get updated information from all of their sources. Using KBA questions doesn’t affect a taxpayer's credit score in any way.
The process to pass KBA Verification is as follows:
The taxpayer will be asked a series of 5 questions. They need to answer 3 out of 5 correctly. If they are unable to answer 3 out of 5 correctly, another series of 5 questions will be presented.
The taxpayer will have a total of 3 series of questions to answer 3 out of 5 correctly. If they fail all 3 series, the taxpayer will need to download the eSign forms and manually sign per IRS guidelines.
Red Herring KBA questions are an added level of security used by LexisNexis.
As an added level of security, LexisNexis uses what are called “Red Herring” questions. These are questions that are designed to trick any fraudulent attempts but which the legitimate taxpayer would recognize as nonsensical and doesn't answer any preceding questions. These questions are also added more frequently to those taxpayers who have a small number of public records. This is needed to generate enough questions to achieve 3 out of 5 correct answers.

This article applies to:

  • Product: safesend
  • Audiences: Client