Summary

An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS is a smart way to safeguard your tax return from potential fraud and identity theft. It’s a six-digit number that ensures only you (or your tax professional) can file a return using your Social Security number. Though once limited to specific taxpayers, IP PINs are now available to all U.S. individuals who can verify their identity. Taking advantage of this free security feature can provide valuable peace of mind during tax season.

🔐 What Is an IRS Identity Protection PIN?

An IRS Identity Protection PIN, or IP PIN, is a six-digit code issued by the Internal Revenue Service to add an extra layer of protection to your tax filings. Once you have an IP PIN, it must be included on your federal tax return. If someone else tries to submit a return using your Social Security number and they don’t have the correct IP PIN, the IRS will reject the submission. This is especially helpful in preventing tax-related identity theft, which can cause long delays and headaches.

Initially, IP PINs were available only in select states, but since 2021, the program has been expanded nationwide. All individual taxpayers, including spouses and dependents, are eligible to receive one, provided they pass a verification process. If your identity has been compromised in the past, the IRS will even send you a new IP PIN each year automatically via mail.

Takeaways:

• An IP PIN helps protect your tax return from identity theft.

• IP PINs are available to all individual taxpayers nationwide.

• You must use the correct IP PIN when filing, or the IRS may reject your return.

• The PIN changes every year and should be kept confidential.

Key Terms

• IP PIN: A six-digit Identity Protection PIN issued by the IRS to prevent fraudulent tax filings.

• CP01A Notice: A letter the IRS sends to notify you of your annual IP PIN.

• ID.me: The online identity verification platform used by the IRS to confirm a taxpayer’s identity.

🧾 How to Apply for an IP PIN

Getting an IP PIN from the IRS starts with creating an online account. You’ll need your Social Security number, email address, photo ID, and a device with a camera. Once your identity is verified through ID.me, you can use the “Get an IP PIN” tool on the IRS website. This tool is available from mid-January through mid-November each year. Your IP PIN will be valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually.

If you can’t complete the online process, the IRS offers alternatives. You can mail or fax Form 15227 if your adjusted gross income is below a certain threshold. You’ll then receive a call from the IRS to confirm your identity and be mailed an IP PIN. Alternatively, you can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center and present identity documents in person. In this case, your PIN will arrive in the mail within three weeks.

Takeaways:

• Most people can apply online through the IRS website using ID.me.

• You’ll need a Social Security number, photo ID, and camera-equipped device to register online.

• If you don’t qualify online, you can apply by mail, fax, or in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

• The IRS issues new IP PINs annually, and you must use the current year’s PIN to file.

Key Terms

• Form 15227: A form used to request an IP PIN by mail or fax.

• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Your gross income after deductions, used to determine eligibility for some IP PIN options.

• Taxpayer Assistance Center: An IRS office where you can apply for an IP PIN in person.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions About IP PINs

If you lose your IP PIN, you can retrieve it online using the same IRS tool you used to apply. If that doesn’t work, you can call the IRS at 800-908-4490 for help. Although an IP PIN is optional, once you’ve received one, you must use it to file your taxes.

Other identity protection options include freezing your credit and setting up fraud alerts. These tools, in combination with an IP PIN, provide stronger defense against identity theft. Also, keep in mind that each year brings a new IP PIN—you cannot reuse an old one, and the IRS will either mail it to you or make it available via your online account.

Takeaways:

• Lost your IP PIN? You can retrieve it online or by phone.

• You don’t need an IP PIN to file unless the IRS has already issued you one.

• Freezing your credit and enabling fraud alerts can add additional protection.

• Each IP PIN is valid for one year and cannot be reused.

Key Terms

• Fraud Alert: A notice placed on your credit report that alerts creditors to take extra steps before approving new accounts.

• Credit Freeze: A way to restrict access to your credit report to prevent identity theft.

• IRS IP PIN Retrieval Tool: An online tool for managing your Identity Protection PIN.

Conclusion

An IRS Identity Protection PIN is a simple yet powerful tool to help prevent tax-related identity theft. It’s available to all individual taxpayers and can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. While not mandatory, an IP PIN provides a valuable extra layer of protection and should be considered by anyone wanting to secure their personal information during tax season. Just remember to renew it each year and keep it confidential.