What Is an IRS Identity Protection PIN?

Tax-related identity theft can happen when someone uses your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund in your name. An IRS Identity Protection PIN can help prevent this.

What Is an Identity Protection PIN?

An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number—commonly called an IP PIN—is a unique six-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

The number helps the IRS verify that a federal tax return filed using your Social Security number or ITIN was actually submitted by you. Without the correct IP PIN, an identity thief may be unable to electronically file a fraudulent federal tax return in your name.

Your IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. If you use a trusted tax professional, you will also need to provide the number to that person when preparing your return.

Who Can Get an IRS IP PIN?

You do not need to be a confirmed identity-theft victim to request an IP PIN. Anyone with a valid Social Security number or ITIN who can complete the IRS identity-verification process may enroll.

An IP PIN may be particularly valuable if:

Your personal information was exposed in a data breach.
Your Social Security number may have been stolen.
You previously experienced identity theft.
Someone attempted to file a tax return in your name.
You want an additional layer of protection against tax-related identity theft.
You want to protect a child or dependent whose Social Security number may be vulnerable.

People whom the IRS identifies as confirmed victims of tax-related identity theft may be enrolled automatically.

How Does an IP PIN Work?

When you file a federal tax return, you enter your current six-digit IP PIN in the designated field. Tax software will normally prompt you for it, or you can give it to your tax preparer.

The IRS compares that number with the IP PIN assigned to your account. If the number is missing or incorrect:

An electronically filed return may be rejected.
A paper return may require additional verification.
Processing and any refund owed to you may be delayed.

If you are married and filing jointly, each spouse who has an IP PIN must enter their own number. When a dependent has an IP PIN, the dependent’s number may also need to be included on the applicable return or form.

An IP PIN is used for eligible federal tax returns. It is not a replacement for any separate identity-verification number your state may require.

Does an IP PIN Change Every Year?

Yes. An IP PIN is valid for only one calendar year, and the IRS generates a new one each year.

If you voluntarily enrolled online, you will generally retrieve the current number through your IRS Online Account. If the IRS automatically enrolled you after confirming tax-related identity theft, you may receive a CP01A Notice containing the new number.

The IP PIN used on a return is based on the calendar year in which you submit that return—not necessarily the tax year printed on it. For example, if you file a prior-year return this year, you generally use this year’s IP PIN.

How to Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN

The fastest method is through your IRS Online Account:

Visit the official IRS IP PIN page at IRS.gov/GetAnIPPIN.
Sign in to your IRS Online Account or create one.
Complete the required identity verification.
Open your profile and select the IP PIN option.
Request or retrieve your current six-digit IP PIN.

The IRS generally makes current IP PINs available through online accounts from mid-January through mid-November.

What If You Cannot Verify Your Identity Online?

Alternative enrollment methods may be available.

If your adjusted gross income on your most recently filed return is below the IRS limit—currently listed as $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married couples filing jointly—you may be able to submit Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.

You may also request an in-person appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. These alternatives can take longer than requesting an IP PIN online, so you should begin well before you plan to file.

Parents and guardians requesting an IP PIN for a dependent under age 18 must use one of the IRS’s alternative enrollment procedures rather than the standard online process.

Can a Child Get an IP PIN?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian can request an IP PIN for an eligible child or dependent.

A child’s Social Security number can be especially attractive to identity thieves because fraudulent activity may remain undiscovered for years. An IP PIN can help prevent someone from using the child’s identifying information to file a federal tax return.

Because minors cannot use the usual online enrollment process, the parent or guardian must follow the IRS procedure for requesting a dependent’s IP PIN.

What Should You Do If You Lose Your IP PIN?

First, sign in to your IRS Online Account and look for the IP PIN section under your profile. Your current number should be available there if you obtained it online.

If you cannot retrieve it through your account, you may call the IRS at 800-908-4490, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. After verifying your identity, the IRS may mail a replacement to the address it has on file. According to the IRS, delivery may take up to 21 days.

For a minor dependent’s IP PIN, the IRS also directs taxpayers to call 800-908-4490.

How to Keep Your IP PIN Safe

Treat your IP PIN like other sensitive financial information:

Do not include it in regular email or text messages.
Do not give it to someone who calls, emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS.
Share it only with a trusted tax professional when needed to file your return.
Store any IRS notice containing the number in a secure location.
Confirm that you are on the official IRS.gov website before entering personal information.
Retrieve the new number each year before filing.

The IRS will not unexpectedly contact you to ask for your IP PIN by phone, email or text.

Does an IP PIN Protect Against Every Type of Identity Theft?

No. An IP PIN is specifically designed to help prevent someone from filing a fraudulent federal tax return using your SSN or ITIN.

It does not prevent other forms of identity fraud, such as:

Opening a credit account in your name
Taking over an existing financial account
Using your information for employment or government benefits
Changing your address or phone number
Applying for utilities, loans or wireless service
Selling your personal information online

That is why an IP PIN should be considered one part of a broader identity-protection strategy—not a complete solution by itself.

Is an IRS IP PIN Worth Getting?

For many taxpayers, yes. It is free, changes annually and creates an additional barrier between an identity thief and a fraudulent tax return filed in your name.

An IP PIN may be especially worthwhile if your Social Security number was exposed, you previously experienced identity theft or you simply want another layer of protection. Just remember that once you receive one, you must use the correct current IP PIN when filing applicable federal returns.

Protect More Than Your Tax Return

An IRS IP PIN can help protect your federal tax identity, but identity theft can affect much more than taxes. Credit monitoring, identity alerts and ongoing detection can help you identify suspicious activity involving your credit and personal information.

Protect your identity and credit with Credit.CC.

This article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute tax or legal advice. IRS procedures and eligibility requirements may change. Visit IRS.gov or speak with a qualified tax professional for guidance concerning your situation.