An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. Even though you may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects
your account. If you are a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft and we have resolved your tax account issues, we’ll mail you a CP01A Notice with your new IP PIN each year. If you don't already have an IP PIN, you may get an IP
PIN as
a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. If you want to request an IP PIN, please note: The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is by using the online Get an IP PIN tool. If you wish to get an IP PIN and you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you
must register to validate your identity. The IP PIN tool is generally available starting in mid-January through mid-November. Select the button to get started Get an IP PIN If you want an IP PIN but can’t successfully validate your
identity through the Get an IP PIN tool, there are alternatives. Please note using an alternative method to the online tool takes longer for an IP PIN to be assigned to you.How to get an IP PIN
Alternatives to the online tool
Filing an application for an IP PIN
If your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $73,000 for Individuals or $146,000 for Married Filing Joint and you can’t use the online tool, you have the option to use Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification NumberPDF. You must have:
- A valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- An adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $73,000 for Individuals or $146,000 for Married Filing Joint.
- Access to a telephone
We will use the telephone number provided on the Form 15227 to call you and validate your identity. Once we verify your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within four to six weeks. You will then receive your IP PIN annually through the mail.
Requesting in-person authentication for an IP PIN
If you’re unable to verify your identity online or with the Form 15227 process or you are ineligible to file Form 15227, you may make an appointment for an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Please bring one current government-issued picture identification document and another identification document to prove your identity. Once we verify your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within three weeks. You will then receive your IP PIN annually through the mail.
Important Information about IP PINs
- An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year.
- A new IP PIN is generated each year for your account.
- Logging back into the Get an IP PIN tool, will display your current IP PIN.
- An IP PIN must be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year including prior year returns.
- FAQs about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)
Using an IP PIN to File
Enter the six-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software product or provide it to your trusted tax professional preparing your tax return. The IP PIN is used only on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS.
Correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays. An incorrect or missing IP PIN will result in the rejection of your e-filed return or a delay of your paper return until it can be verified.
Don’t reveal your IP PIN to anyone. It should be known only to your tax professional and only when you are ready to sign and submit your return. The IRS will never ask for your IP PIN. Phone calls, emails or texts asking for your IP PIN are scams.
Lost IP PINs
Review Retrieve Your IP PIN for details. Do not file a Form 15227 to apply for a new IP PIN.
If we assigned you an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) and you lost it or you didn't receive our CP01A Notice with your new IP PIN, you'll need to
retrieve it or have it reissued to e-file your return. You may use our Get an IP PIN online tool to retrieve your current IP PIN. If you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you will be asked to register for an
account and validate your identity.We assigned you an IP PIN if you:
How to retrieve your IP PIN online
If you previously created an online account and obtained an IP PIN, access Get an IP PIN and log in to your account. You may be required to verify your identity again due to our increased account security.
How to get your IP PIN reissued
If you're unable to retrieve your IP PIN online, you may call us at 800-908-4490 for specialized assistance, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. your local time (Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time), to have your IP PIN reissued. An assistor will verify your identity and mail your IP PIN to your address of record within 21 days.
Exception:
- It’s after October 14 and you haven’t filed your current or prior year Forms 1040 or 1040 PR/SS.
If you fall under the exception and if you cannot access the Get an IP PIN online tool, your best alternative at this time is to file your tax return by paper without your IP PIN.
You’ll need to complete and mail a paper tax return without your IP PIN. We’ll review your return to confirm it’s yours, but this may delay any refund you’re due.
Existing IP PIN users seeking to retrieve their numbers should not apply for a new IP PIN with Form 15227. The Form 15227 application process is only for taxpayers who are newly opting into the program and do not already have an IP PIN requirement.
If you file your return without your IRS assigned IP PIN:
- We’ll reject your electronic return, and you won't be able to e-file
- We’ll subject your paper return to additional screenings to validate your identity, delaying any refund you may be due