Nothing can guarantee that your personal information will remain private. The goal is to add layers of protection so as to make it harder for identity thieves. One way to add a layer of security to help protect you from tax-related identity theft is to obtain an identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) from the IRS.

What is an IP PIN?

An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to the taxpayer. A taxpayer who is issued an IP PIN must use the number when filing tax returns, whether electronically or on paper, during the calendar year for which the IP PIN is valid. This includes amended returns for prior years and returns for prior years which are being filed late.

How does the IP PIN protect taxpayers?

Since only the IRS and the taxpayer know the PIN, obtaining the number prevents anyone from filing a federal tax return using your social security number. The PIN confirms your identity to the IRS. Note that the IRS will never ask for your IP PIN. Any requests for your IP PIN by phone, emails or texts are scams.

What happens if I do not include the IP PIN on my return?

If you obtain the IP PIN number and fail to include the IP PIN on the return, or enter an incorrect IP PIN, your return will be rejected or the processing of the return will be delayed until your identity can be verified by the IRS. If you use a tax return preparer you will have to provide the preparer the IP PIN when it is time to file the return. It is very important that you have a trustworthy professional who will take steps to keep your IP PIN secure.

Who qualifies for an IP PIN?

The IP PIN is available to any taxpayer who was a social security number or a tax identification number. The taxpayer does not have to reside in the United States in order to qualify for the IP PIN.

Taxpayers who are confirmed victims of tax-related identity theft are automatically issued an IP PIN each year.

How do I obtain an IP PIN?

The easiest and fastest way to obtain the IP PIN is to apply for it through your IRS online account. In order to obtain the IP PIN you will have to verify your identity to the IRS. Spouses and dependents of the taxpayer can also apply for and IP PIN by completing the required verification steps.

For taxpayers who do not have an online IRS account and are unable to create one, the IP PIN can be obtained in one of two ways:

1. Complete IRS Form 15227 if your adjusted gross income is below $84,000 if single, or $168,000 if married filing jointly. This form is only for new requests. You cannot use it if you have been issued an IP PIN previously.
2. If your income is above the limits, then you will have to make an appointment and apply in person at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Does the IP PIN expire?

An IP PIN is valid for only one calendar year. A new IP PIN will be issued to you by the IRS at the beginning of each year for use that filing season. The new IP PIN will be posted to your online account or a letter will be mailed to you with your new IP PIN.

What if I do not want to have an IP PIN after the first year of enrolling?

If you applied for the IP PIN voluntarily and have not been the victim of tax-related identity theft, you can opt out of the program. You will need to go to your online account to see if you are eligible for the opt out. If you applied for the IP PIN with the one-time enrollment option, then you will be opted out of the program at the end of the calendar year.

If you opt out of the program and change your mind, you will have to wait 72 hours to re-enroll.

Taxpayers who are confirmed victims of tax-related identity theft cannot opt out of the IP PIN program.

What if I lose my IP PIN?

If you lose your IP PIN and applied for it online, you can retrieve the PIN by going to your online IRS account. If you lose an IP PIN you obtained for minor dependents, you will have to call the IRS since it cannot be retrieved online.

If you did not apply for the IP PIN online, you will have to call the IRS. If your identity can be confirmed by phone you will receive a new IP PIN by mail in 21 days. However, if it is after October 14 and you have not filed your tax return for the current or prior year, the IP PIN will not be issued. Under these circumstances you will have to file the return on paper without the IP PIN and wait for the IRS to review the return and confirm that it was you who filed it.

If you did not apply for the IP PIN online you will have to call the IRS or go in person to a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

When should I apply for an IP PIN?

If you are considering obtaining an IP PIN, the IRS recommends that you begin the process by mid-November. Generally, the IP PIN system shuts down some time in November until early January so that the identity numbers can be generated. The IP PIN will be posted to your online account by January. Taxpayers who receive the IP PIN by mail can anticipate receiving the notice between mid-December and early January.