Long bridge

Action Required by July 31, 2026

Employer Self Service (ESS)

New Single Sign-On with ID.me
Secure. Seamless. Simple.

ID.me + VEC =
Less hassle, more access.

What’s Changing

Starting August 1, 2026, all Employer Self Service (ESS) users must log in using ID.me, a secure digital identity verification tool with over 152 million registered users nationwide, including 1.9 million verified users in Virginia. 

Why We’re Making This Change 

Your time is valuable, and protecting your information is critical. 

With this upgrade, you get: 

Less Hassle

One login for all VEC services.

More Access

Ability to share secure access with multiple authorized users.

Greater Security

Confirms users are exactly who they claim to be. 

How to Access ESS with ID.me 

  1. Go to VEC’s Employer Self Service.
  2. Click the green "Sign in with ID.me" button.
  3. Follow the prompts to log in or create your ID.me account. 

If You Already Have an ID.me Account 

  • Log in with your email and password.
  • Before logging in, make sure your ID.me profile is up to date. Check your:
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • Update or manage your account here: ID.me Account Settings. 

If You Need to Create an ID.me Account 

You will need: 

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
  • Your Social Security number 

Three verification options: 

  1. Fastest: Use your phone or computer camera.
  2. Complete a video call with an ID.me agent.
  3. Visit select retail locations for in-person verification. 

Instructions for Tax Preparers / Third Party Administrators / CPAs: 

  • A TPA/CPA user profile may link up to 25 VEC tax accounts.  
  • The employer must send an invitation using the same email address the TPA/CPA has registered with ID.me.  

Explore the Full Range of ESS Capabilities: 

With ESS, you can manage your employer account all in one place. Easily: 

  • File tax and payroll reports
  • Check upload status
  • View quarterly tax reports and payment history
  • Manage annual filing details
  • Update legal address, DBA, contacts, and banking information
  • File and respond to separation reports
  • View wage reports
  • Upload important documents
     

Important notice for Virginia Tax online services for businesses (iFile) users:

Starting August 1, 2026, employers will no longer be able to access iFile using their VEC account number. To continue using iFile to manage withholding and/or sales tax accounts with Virginia Tax after July 31, please log in to iFile using your FEIN. If you have questions for Virginia Tax, visit tax.virginia.gov/VEC.

 
Deadline 

July 31, 2026 – After this date, ESS will only be accessible through ID.me. 
Avoid delays,  set up your account now! It’s E-Z with ID.me! 

Need help getting started with VEC's Employer Self-Service (ESS) system? 

  • Job Aid (PDF) - This job aid helps employers and third-party administrators (TPAs) navigate VEC's Employer Self-Service (ESS) system using ID.me. Learn how to sign in, link employer accounts, manage access, invite users, and accept invitations through the new secure login process.
  • FAQs (PDF) - Find answers to common questions about account setup, user access, key deadlines, and available support resources to help ensure a smooth transition.

Need Additional Support?

  • ID.me support (creating your account, verifying your identity, signing in, or resetting your passphrase): Visit the ID.me Help Center or contact ID.me Support.
  • VEC support (all other employer questions related to your VEC account or services): Call the VEC Employer Line at (866) 354-5579.
     

About ID.me 

ID.me is a secure, federally certified identity verification service. ID.me partners with 31 states and multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Learn more about ID.me.