The IRS has opened up enrollment in the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program to anyone who has a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You may voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program as a proactive way to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your SSN or ITIN. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS and helps verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return.
The IP PIN is valid for one year. Each January, a newly generated IP PIN must be obtained.
Any primary taxpayer (listed first on the return), secondary taxpayer (listed second on the return), or dependent may obtain an IP PIN if they can pass the identity proofing requirements.
Use the online Get An IP PIN tool.
If you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you must register to validate your identity. Before you register, read about the secure access identity authentication process.
If you can’t successfully validate your identity through the Get an IP PIN tool, there are alternatives. Please note: using an alternative method will delay your IP PIN. 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 Number.
To apply this way, you must have:
IRS will use the telephone number provided on the Form 15227 to call you, 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 receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service the following year and in the future.
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. You will then receive your IP PIN annually through the mail.
For other application options, see IRS’s Get An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) page.
Enter the six-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software product, provide it to your trusted tax professional preparing your tax return, or enter it on your paper tax return.
Be aware, 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.
Your IP PIN should be known only to your tax professional and only when you are ready to sign and submit your return. Be aware that the IRS will never ask for your IP PIN. Phone calls, emails, or texts asking for your IP PIN are scams.
For more information about the program and other alternative application options, see IRS’s Get An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) page and FAQs about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN).
For more information about Identity Theft, visit IRS’s Identity Theft Central site and the Taxpayer Advocate Service’s Identity Theft Get Help page.
