What is an Identity Protection PIN?
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 (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS.
Who should have an IP PIN?
If you have been a victim of tax-related identity theft and the IRS has resolved your tax account issues, you will automatically get a new IP PIN mailed to you on a CP01A Notice in January of each year.
An IP PIN is also helpful for anyone who is concerned about the security of their identity and wants to assure that no one will be able to file a fraudulent tax return using their Social Secruity Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
How do I enroll for an IP PIN?
If you have not been the victim of tax-related identity theft, there are several ways to enroll:
- The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your Online Account, under your “Profile” page. If you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you must register to validate your identity.
- If your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $84,000 for Individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint and you can’t establish an online account, you can submit Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number online. You must have:
-
- A valid Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
- An adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $84,000 for Individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint.
- Access to a telephone
In this case, the IRS will use the telephone number provided on the Form 15227 to call you and validate your identity.
-
How will I receive my IP PIN?
If you have not been able to establish an online account and have sumbitted Form 15227, once the IRS verifies 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 voluntarily enroll for an IP PIN online, you will need to log in to your online IRS account each year to retrieve it. The IP PIN is generally available starting in mid-January.
Retrieving your IP PIN on IRS.gov
1. Navigate to IRS.gov in your browser and click “Log In”
2. Choose “Sign In to Individual Account”
3. On this page, you will sign into your ID.me account – note that you will need to create an account if you do not already have one.
4. The IRS website will take you to the ID.me website to log in.
5. After you sign in, you will be asked to choose how to receive the code to confirm your identity. This will only be sent or called to the phone number you have on file.
6. Input the six-digit number that you receive. When you click “Continue,” it will take you back to the IRS website
7. Once you have returned to the IRS site, click “Profile” on the top menu bar
8. On your profile page, click “Identity Protection PIN” from the links on the left
9. Your Identity Protection PIN will be on this page. It is best to print this page out and include in with your tax paperwork
