IRS IP PIN: What it is, how to get it, and how it protects you

What is an IP PIN?

An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number, better known as an IP PIN, is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN, for those not eligible for an SSN). Your IP PIN number is known only to you and the IRS, so it helps the IRS verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. 

Unlike other PINs you might use for banking or online accounts, your IP PIN is specifically designed to protect your tax account. It’s one of the best ways to protect your SSN. When someone tries to file a return with your SSN, they can’t succeed without this unique code. The IP PIN helps verify that a return filed with your SSN was actually filed by you. 

Is an IRS IP PIN mandatory?

No, an IP PIN isn’t mandatory for most taxpayers. However, if you’re a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft, the IRS will automatically assign you an IP PIN to prevent identity theft in the future.

Can you file your tax return without your IP PIN?

If you have an IP PIN, you must include it when filing your federal tax return. The IRS will reject your return if it doesn’t include your IP PIN.

Who needs an IP PIN and why?

Anyone who wants to add an additional layer of protection to their tax account needs an IP PIN. If you have an SSN or an ITIN and verify your identity with the iIRS, you can request an IP PIN. In fact, the IRS encourages all taxpayers to get one.

To that effect, the IRS automatically assigns IP PINs to confirmed victims of tax-related identity theft and taxpayers whose accounts show signs of suspicious activity.

If you haven’t been assigned an IP PIN, consider requesting it if you:

• Want extra protection against tax fraud.
• Have experienced other types of identity theft.
• Have been affected by data breaches.
• Seek peace of mind during tax season.

Tax-related identity theft can happen to anyone. Criminals use stolen personal information to file fraudulent returns early in the tax season, claiming your refund before you realize what’s happened. An IP PIN can stop tax identity theft in its tracks.

How to get an IP PIN from the IRS

The fastest way to get an IP PIN is to request it through your IRS online account:

1. Create or log in to your IRS online account. Visit irs.gov and set up an account if you don’t have one.
2. Complete identity verification. The system will verify your identity through a rigorous verification process using ID.me. If you don’t have an ID.me account, you’ll have to set it up too.
3. Access the IP PIN program. After logging in to your online account, you can enroll in the IP PIN program from the “Profile” tab.
4. Choose enrollment type. You’ll have two enrollment options — one-time or continuous enrollment. 

“Continuous enrollment” means you remain in the program for the current year and future years, while “one-time enrollment” means you are in the program for the current calendar year and will automatically be opted out of the program at the end of the calendar year. If you opt for continuous enrollment in the IP PIN program, you’ll need to retrieve the PIN online each calendar year.

Getting an IP PIN is completely free. The IRS doesn’t charge any fees for issuing, renewing, or retrieving your IP PIN.

If you’re wondering “can I get my PIN over the phone?” the answer is no, you can’t request a new IP PIN over the phone. However, you can retrieve a lost IP PIN by calling 1-800-908-4490 for assistance.

Where do I find my IP PIN on ID.me?

You can use ID.me to sign in to the IRS website by going to the IRS IP PIN page and selecting “Get an IP PIN,” then signing in with your ID.me account. Your IP PIN will then be accessible through your IRS online account interface.

Other methods to request an IP PIN

If you can’t complete the online verification process, you have two alternatives — using Form 15227 or visiting a Taxpayer Assistance Center in person.

The Form 15227 option

If your adjusted gross income is below $84,000 (or below $168,000 if you’re married and filing jointly), you can submit Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.

The IRS now provides a Form 15227 wizard for electronic submission, but you can also download the PDF version to submit by mail or fax. After the IRS receives your form, they’ll call you to verify your identity before issuing your IP PIN.

Important: The IRS will call to verify your identity before issuing an IP PIN, but it will never call to ask for an IP PIN you already have.

An in-person visit to the IRS

If you’re ineligible to file Form 15227, you can schedule a visit at a Taxpayer Assistance Center to request an IP PIN. You can find the TAC office closest to you with the Taxpayer Assistance Locator tool or call 1-844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment. Remember to bring identification documents for the identity verification process.

Can you get IP PINs for children and dependents?

Yes, spouses and dependents, including children who are minors, are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity verification process.

Adult dependents can go through the standard online identity verification process and create their own ID.me and IRS accounts. For minor dependents, parents and legal guardians can request an IP PIN by completing and submitting Form 15227. The IRS will contact the parent or guardian to verify the identity before issuing the dependent’s IP PIN.

Identity theft affects children more than many parents realize. Minors’ SSNs are valuable to criminals because identity theft can go undetected for years. An IP PIN provides essential protection for your children’s future tax accounts.

Can all dependents use the same IP PIN?

No, each person needs their own unique IP PIN. When you file your tax return and list dependents on it, you must enter each dependent’s individual IP PIN if they have one. This requirement applies whether you’re filing electronically or on paper.

How to use your IP PIN when filing taxes

When you have an IP PIN, you must include it every time you file a federal tax return. The process varies depending on how you file:

• Electronic filing. Enter your IP PIN in the designated field in your tax filing software. If you’re married and filing jointly, and your spouse has an IP PIN, you’ll need both PINs. Include IP PINs for any dependents who have them as well.
• Paper filing. Write your IP PIN in the space provided on your Form 1040. Include your spouse’s IP PIN if filing jointly. However, you don’t need to provide IP PINs for dependents on paper tax returns.

Where can you find your 5-digit self-select PIN for taxes?

Don’t confuse your IP PIN with a self-select PIN. A self-select PIN is a 5-digit number (except all zeros) that you choose yourself to electronically sign your Form 1040, Form 4868, or other e-filed tax returns. You’re required to use this PIN when filing electronically through an Electronic Return Originator or commercial tax preparation software.

If you need your prior year’s self-select PIN for authentication when filing your current return, you can find it on Form 8879 from your previous year’s tax return. If you can’t locate your prior year self-select PIN or forgot it, you can use your prior year Adjusted Gross Income instead. 

The IP PIN, on the other hand, is issued by the IRS for identity protection and displayed in your online account — you don’t create or select this number yourself.

Do you have to give your IP PIN to your tax preparer?

Yes, if you use a tax professional, provide your IP PIN so they can include it on your return. Only share your IP PIN with trusted tax preparers, and never give it to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.

Managing your IP PIN each year

Your IP PIN is only valid for one calendar year, so you’ll need a new one annually. Even if you choose continuous enrollment in the IP PIN program, you still need to actively retrieve your new IP PIN from your online account each January — it won’t be sent to you automatically. The new IP PIN you request is generally available in your online account starting in mid-January.

Victims of confirmed identity theft will automatically receive an IP PIN each year from the IRS without reapplying. They will receive the new IP PIN via Notice CP01A that the IRS mails each year.

Keep your IP PIN with your tax documents in a secure location. Never share it with anyone except your trusted tax preparer. And remember, the IRS will never call, email, or text to ask for your IP PIN.

How to retrieve or recover a lost IP PIN

If you’ve lost your IP PIN or never received your notice, you can retrieve it through several methods. The fastest way is through your IRS online account. Log in and navigate to your “Profile” page where your current IP PIN will be displayed.

If you can’t access your online account, call 1-800-908-4490 for assistance. An IRS representative will verify your identity and help you retrieve your IP PIN.

For minor dependents, note that their IP PINs cannot be retrieved online. You must call 1-800-908-4490 to retrieve their IP PIN.

Why an IP PIN should be part of your identity theft protection measures

An IP PIN is excellent protection against tax-related identity theft, but it’s just one component of comprehensive identity protection. Tax-related identity theft can delay your refund for months, force you to deal with piles of paperwork, and create issues with your tax account that last well beyond the filing season.

It’s smart to combine your IP PIN with other protective measures:

• File your tax return early in the season.
• Use secure methods when transmitting tax documents. For digital documents, use encrypted email or secure client portals. For physical documents, go for certified mail, registered mail, or courier services with tracking rather than regular mail or unsecured delivery.
• Monitor your credit reports regularly.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information.
• Keep your tax documents in secure storage. For digital documents, use encrypted cloud storage, password-protected external drives, or digital vaults. For physical documents, opt for locked filing cabinets or safe deposit boxes.
• Consider using an identity theft protection service that offers identity theft insurance.

A comprehensive identity theft protection service like NordProtect goes beyond basic monitoring. With 24/7 dark web surveillance, you’ll know immediately if your personal information like your SSN surfaces where it shouldn’t. Real-time security alerts keep you informed of potential threats, while credit monitoring watches for suspicious activity that could signal identity theft.

NordProtect also offers identity theft recovery, so should the worst happen, you won’t face the recovery process alone — a dedicated US-based case manager will guide you every step of the way and handle the complex dealings with government agencies and credit bureaus so you can focus on getting your life back on track.