What is KBA?

Knowledge-based authentication, commonly referred to as KBA, is a method of authentication which seeks to prove the identity of someone accessing a service such as a financial institution or website. As the name suggests, KBA requires the knowledge of private information of the individual to prove that the person providing the identity information is the owner of the identity. There are two types of KBA: static KBA, which is based on a pre-agreed set of shared secrets, and dynamic KBA, which is based on questions generated from a wider base of personal information.


Dynamic KBA

Dynamic KBA takes authentication to the next level by generating questions that only apply to one specific person. This type of KBA doesn’t require any previous relationship with the customer, so it is an attractive option for e-signature users that need to be authenticated instantly. We sometimes call these questions “out-of-wallet” questions because the information couldn’t be found in a person’s wallet if it was stolen. The questions are generated from the user’s credit history or public records.

Many regulatory bodies, including the IRS, require that e-signature users be authenticated using dynamic KBA.


Does AOTAX ask these questions?

The questions asked during the ID check are not stored or generated by AOTAX. These questions are sourced from various public sources and credit bureaus.


Why Did My KBA Fail?

KBA ID check fails when some or all of the answers to the questions asked do not match with the records held in public records.


What Should I do when KBA ID Check Fails

If your ID check has failed, we will immediately email you with a downloadable copy of your 8879 and any other documents that require your signature.

Simply download and print the documents, sign them where indicated ( Spouse signature if required ) and upload them in your AOTAX account in the documents section and we will file your returns.