In a note sent to Lusa, the Ministry of Finance explains that reinforced authentication requires two-factor authentication.

The feature, which taxpayers can opt into, "adds an extra layer of protection when accessing the taxpayer-restricted area of ​​the Finance Portal," seeking to prevent "unauthorised access," explains the Ministry, which oversees the Tax Authority.

This option will not yet be available to all taxpayers. "Adherence to two-factor authentication is already available to taxpayers without business activity and will be gradually made available to individual taxpayers with business activity and legal entities," the ministry states.

To enrol in two-factor authentication, a citizen "must have their telephone number registered and confirmed with the Tax Authority."

After enrolling, "whenever they authenticate to the Tax Portal using their NIF (Taxpayer Identification Number) and password, the Tax Authority sends a unique verification code via SMS that the taxpayer must enter to access their private area," the ministry further states.

Currently, it is possible to access the personal area by entering their NIF (Individual Taxpayer Registry) and access code, or by authenticating with their Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key.