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The CP01A notice informs you about the IP PIN the IRS sent you and contains the IP PIN that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. Even if you do not have to file a tax return, your account is still protected from fraudulent filing.
If the IRS has assigned you an IP PIN it is because you have been the victim of tax-related identity theft. Each year, the IRS issues the CP01A notices that have a unique 6-digit IP PIN with instructions on how to use it. You will need to include this unique number when filing your tax return.
If you are married and filing a joint income tax return and you and your spouse have each received a CP01A, you will need both IP PINs to successfully file the joint return.
Enter the 6-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.
You can retrieve your IP PIN if it is misplaced using the detailed instructions on how to recover your original IP PIN or how to request a replacement.
Contact the TAS if you are experiencing an economic hardship or need help in resolving problems. You can reach TAS at 877-777-4778 or TTY/TTD 800-829-4059
Understanding your notice or letter
For more specifics on your notice, visit Understanding your IRS Notice or Letter on IRS.gov
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If you still need help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.
TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
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Taxpayer Roadmap
The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.
