Get Your Free IRS Identity PIN Information Guide

What Is an IRS Identity PIN and Why It Matters

An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a six-digit code created by the IRS that helps protect your tax account from identity theft. This PIN works as an extra layer of security, similar to how a password protects your email or bank account. When you have an IP PIN, only you and the IRS know this number. Anyone trying to file a tax return using your Social Security number would need this PIN to complete the filing.

Identity theft affecting tax accounts has become increasingly common. According to the IRS, they detected and prevented millions of fraudulent returns in recent years by identifying suspicious filing patterns. When criminals steal someone's Social Security number, they may attempt to file a false tax return to claim refunds. This can delay your legitimate refund and create complications with your tax records that take months or years to resolve.

The IP PIN program started in 2012 as a pilot program in certain states affected by high rates of tax-related identity theft. Based on its success, the IRS has expanded the program. As of recent years, the IRS began offering IP PINs more broadly to help protect taxpayers beyond just those in high-fraud areas.

You may have received an IP PIN already if you live in certain states or if the IRS previously detected suspicious activity on your account. If you have an IP PIN, you must include it when filing your tax return. Forgetting to include it can cause your return to be rejected or delayed.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding what an IP PIN does helps you recognize whether this protection is something you should consider for your tax account. The PIN does not change your way you file taxes, but it does add security to prevent someone else from filing in your name.

Who Should Consider Getting an IP PIN

Not everyone needs an IP PIN, but certain groups of people face higher risk of tax identity theft. The IRS created guidelines to help people understand when an IP PIN might be useful. People who live in states with historically high rates of tax-related identity theft, such as Florida, Georgia, and California, may benefit from this protection. However, obtaining an IP PIN is not limited to specific states—anyone concerned about identity theft can pursue one.

If you have already experienced identity theft, you should strongly consider getting an IP PIN. This includes situations where someone has stolen your Social Security number for any reason, not just tax-related theft. Once criminals have your number, they may try to use it for tax fraud. An IP PIN prevents them from filing a tax return in your name without knowing this additional code.

People who work in jobs where personal information might be exposed—such as healthcare workers, financial services employees, or government workers—may want to consider an IP PIN. Data breaches at large companies and organizations have exposed millions of Social Security numbers. If your information was part of a public data breach, an IP PIN provides an extra security measure.

Additionally, parents may want to obtain IP PINs for their children. Children's Social Security numbers are often targeted by thieves because the theft may go undetected for years. Protecting a child's tax account early prevents problems when the child becomes an adult and files their first tax return.

Victims of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) breach in 2015, which exposed sensitive information for millions of federal employees, were particularly encouraged to consider IP PINs. Similarly, people affected by other major data breaches may want this protection.

Practical Takeaway: Evaluate your personal situation to determine if an IP PIN fits your needs. If you have experienced identity theft, live in a high-risk area, or were affected by a major data breach, obtaining an IP PIN can reduce your vulnerability to tax fraud.

How to Request Your IP PIN Through the IRS

The IRS provides several methods to request an IP PIN, and the process has been designed to be relatively straightforward. The primary method is through the IRS website using an online tool that the IRS maintains specifically for this purpose. To use the online tool, you will need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on information in IRS records, such as details from previous tax returns or financial accounts.

To access the online tool, visit the IRS official website and navigate to the section labeled for identity protection. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and other identifying information. The IRS system then verifies this information against its records. If verification is successful, you will receive your six-digit IP PIN immediately on screen. You can write it down, take a screenshot, or print it. The IRS recommends keeping this PIN in a safe place, just as you would with other important documents.

An alternative method involves calling the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit. By phone, you can speak with an IRS representative who will guide you through an identity verification process. This method works well for people who prefer verbal communication or who have questions during the process. The phone line is available during standard business hours. When you call, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status information ready.

In some cases, if you cannot verify your identity online or by phone, you may need to visit a local IRS office in person. This option ensures that you can verify your identity face-to-face with an IRS employee. IRS offices are located in most major cities and towns. You can use the IRS office locator on their website to find the nearest location.

Once you receive your IP PIN, write it down and store it securely. The IRS will send you a letter by mail confirming your PIN within a few weeks. This letter serves as an official record. Keep both your written record and the mailed letter in a safe location. Do not share your PIN with anyone, including family members or tax preparers, unless absolutely necessary.

Practical Takeaway: Choose the method that works best for you—online, phone, or in-person—and gather your identifying information before you begin. Once you have your PIN, treat it with the same care as your Social Security number.

What Information the IRS Guide Covers

A comprehensive guide about IP PINs from the IRS or third-party educational sources will cover multiple aspects of identity protection and the PIN program. The guide typically explains the background of the IP PIN program, including when it started, why the IRS created it, and how it has grown. This context helps readers understand that the IP PIN is a response to a real problem affecting millions of taxpayers.

Guides also detail the specific steps involved in using an IP PIN when you file your tax return. This includes information about where to enter the PIN on paper returns and where to input it on electronic tax return software. Different filing methods may require the PIN in different locations. For example, if you file through tax software, the software will prompt you to enter the PIN in a specific field. If you file a paper return using IRS Form 1040, you will write the PIN in the designated box on the form.

Educational guides typically address common questions and scenarios. For instance, what happens if you forget your PIN? Where can you find your PIN if you have already received one? What should you do if you suspect someone tried to file a return using your Social Security number? These sections provide practical information for handling various situations that taxpayers may encounter.

Many guides include information about related services and protections offered by the IRS and other agencies. This might cover the IRS Free File program, which offers free tax preparation resources, and information about fraud monitoring services available through credit bureaus. Understanding these related services gives taxpayers a fuller picture of the tools available to protect their financial information.

Guides may also include information about what to do if you discover that someone has filed a fraudulent tax return using your information. This section explains the steps for reporting the fraud to the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), documenting the incident, and taking steps to protect yourself going forward. The guide would explain timelines for how the IRS investigates such cases and what you can expect during the process.

Practical Takeaway: Review sections of the guide that are most relevant to your situation. If you have already obtained an IP PIN, focus on sections about using it when filing. If you are considering whether to get one, read sections explaining the benefits and risks of identity theft.

Protecting Your IP PIN and Tax Information

Once you have an IP PIN, protecting it becomes part of your responsibility for safeguarding your tax information. Treat your IP PIN with the same level of security as your Social Security number or password. Never share your PIN via email, text