An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security (SSN) number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). 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. Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.
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.
If your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $79,000 for Individuals or $158,000 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:
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.
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.
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.
Review Retrieve Your IP PIN for details. Do not file a Form 15227 to apply for a new IP PIN.
A1: The IRS IP PIN is a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. A new IP PIN will be generated each year.
If we assigned you an IP PIN, you must use it to confirm your identity on any return filed during the current calendar year. This includes current year returns as well as any delinquent tax returns.
An IP PIN is used only on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS.
A2: Anyone who has a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and is able to verify his/her identity is eligible to enroll into the IP PIN program.
A3: The IP PIN acts as an authentication number to validate the correct owner of the Social Security number(s) or ITIN(s) listed on your tax return.
A4: If we issued you an IP PIN and you lost it or you didn't receive a new one in the mail, you'll need to obtain your IP PIN before you can 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.
If you're unable to retrieve your IP PIN online:
A5: Anyone who has a SSN or ITIN and is able to verify his/her identity is eligible to enroll into the IP PIN program. If our records show that you were a victim of identity theft, you will automatically be enrolled into the IP PIN program.
A6: Each taxpayer who has an IP PIN must enter it on their tax return.
A7: In this situation, at least one SSN or ITIN on your return has an IP PIN requirement and you'll need to include the IP PIN on your tax return.
A8: Your identity theft case may not have been resolved prior to our issuance of new IP PINs in early January or you moved prior to the end of the year and didn't notify us.
If we assigned you an IP PIN, you'll need to Retrieve Your IP PIN to 'e-file' your tax return this year. You'll know we assigned you an IP PIN if your e-filed return is rejected because it was missing an IP PIN.
A9: It's located on page one of the CP01A notice at the top of the first column.
A10: This is determined by the method you use to file, e-file or paper.
If married and filing a joint return, see Question 6 above .
A11: Yes. You must use this IP PIN to confirm your identity on your current tax return and any prior year returns filed during the calendar year.
A12: Our records show you were previously the victim of identity theft; or you were identified by the IRS as a possible victim of tax-related identity theft. We use this IP PIN to authenticate your identity when you file.
A13: If filing a return for the decedent enter the IP PIN as appropriate.
A14: No. A new IP PIN will be generated each year.
A15: From mid-December through early January, CP01A notices are sent to taxpayers eligible to receive an IP PIN. If you opted in online to get an IP PIN, you will not receive a CP01A notice, you must retrieve your IP PIN online beginning in early January every year.
A16: You should keep your IP PIN in a safe location until it's time to prepare your tax return.
If you choose to hire a tax preparer or take advantage of a volunteer tax preparation service to prepare your tax return, you'll need to provide your IP PIN so the preparer can include it on your return.
When calling the IRS or visiting an IRS office, your IP PIN isn't accepted as proof of your identity.
A17: This is determined by how you file.
E-file Return: If you claim one or more dependents that have an IP PIN, you must enter their IP PIN on the following e-file tax forms:
Your e-file return will be rejected if you fail to enter a dependent's IP PIN.
Note: If someone can claim you on their tax return as a dependent and you have an IP PIN, you must share your IP PIN with them if they e-file.
Paper Return: You don't need to enter an IP PIN for your dependent(s) when filing a paper tax return.
A18: No. The IP PIN is only used on federal tax Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS.
A19: Yes. The same requirements for the IP PIN that exist for filing an original return, will apply to an amended return.
A20: How quickly you receive your refund depends on your individual return information. If you include your IP PIN when filing, your return will be subject to the same validity checks as other returns not requiring an IP PIN.
See Where's My Refund? for more information on the status of your refund.
A21: There are two alternative methods to receive an IP PIN:
A22: No, currently you do not have the option to opt-out of the IP PIN program.