What Is a Taxpayer Identity Protection PIN?

How Do Tax Identity Protection PINs Work?

An IP PIN is a six-digit code the IRS can assign to taxpayers who have experienced tax fraud. It's also possible to request an IP PIN as long as you have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Once you have an IP PIN, you must include it on your federal income tax return—otherwise it won't be accepted and processed. Each year going forward, the IRS will generate a new IP PIN and mail it to you along with a CP01A Notice.

Do I Need an IP PIN to File Taxes?

Most taxpayers don't need an IP PIN to file their taxes. It's only required in two instances:

• The IRS assigns you an IP PIN because you were the victim of tax-related identity theft.
• You opted into the program and requested an IP PIN.

If your filing status is married filing jointly or you claim dependents, you don't need to request an IP PIN for everyone on your return. But if your spouse or dependents have been assigned an IP PIN, you'll want to list it or your return could be rejected.

Should You Get a Tax IP PIN?

Tax identity theft isn't as common as other types of identity theft, but it can be a hassle to deal with. Requesting an IP PIN is a free way to help protect yourself.

Requesting and using an IP PIN could help you fight tax identity theft because the IRS will reject e-filed returns or stop processing paper-filed returns that don't have the correct IP PIN. You may, for instance, proactively enroll in the program if your information was exposed in a data breach or you just want peace of mind when filing. Scammers won't be able to use your stolen information to file a tax return unless they've also stolen your IP PIN.

How Do I Get My IP PIN?

The IRS offers several ways to get an IP PIN. Your options include:

• Having one assigned: If you're a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft, the IRS may automatically enroll you in the program and assign you an IP PIN. You'll receive a CP01A notice in the mail with your code.
• Using the online tool: The easiest and fastest way to get an IP PIN is using the IRS Get an IP PIN tool. You'll need to verify your identity by creating an IRS.gov account or logging in to your existing one. The tax agency will then automatically generate a code for you.
• Submitting a request by mail: If you can't use the online tool and your adjusted gross income is less than $84,000 ($168,000 for joint filers), you can submit a request by mail. The IRS won't mail you an IP PIN until the next tax year.
• Making an in-person appointment: You can also request a code at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. After verifying your identity, the IRS will mail you your IP PIN within a few weeks.

Once you have your code, the IRS will automatically mail you a new IP PIN each year, around December or January. It's possible to opt out of the program if you voluntarily joined and haven't been the victim of tax ID theft. You may be able to retrieve a lost code using the same online IRS Get an IP PIN tool. Alternatively, you may be able to get your IP PIN reissued by calling the IRS, though it can take up to 21 days to receive your new IP PIN in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Tax identity fraud can make it difficult to file your tax return and delays your tax refund if you're owed one. Requesting an IRS IP PIN may help you avoid this situation.

If you have already dealt with tax fraud, the IRS may assign you an IP PIN automatically. Filing your taxes early, protecting your personal information and keeping your IP PIN private can help you protect yourself from future identity tax theft.

Tax identity theft isn't the only type of identity theft you need to worry about—and others could wind up being more costly to resolve. Signing up for a free credit monitoring service can quickly notify you if someone else uses your information to take out a loan or open a credit account. There are also identity theft protection services, such as an Experian premium membership, that offer more robust monitoring and recovery assistance.