Learn About IRS PIN Requests

What Is an IRS PIN and Why the IRS Uses It

An IRS Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a six-digit code created by the Internal Revenue Service to protect your tax account from identity theft and fraud. Think of it as an extra security measure similar to a password for your tax information. The IRS assigns this PIN to you, and you use it when filing your tax return or contacting the IRS about your account.

Identity theft involving taxes is a real problem in the United States. According to the IRS, thousands of people file fraudulent tax returns using stolen Social Security numbers each year. When someone files a false return in your name, they may claim refunds they are not owed, leaving you to deal with the confusion and delays when you file your legitimate return. The IRS developed the PIN system as one way to reduce this risk.

The IRS began offering Self-Selected PINs in 2018, which allows you to create your own six-digit code rather than waiting for one to be mailed to you. This puts more control in your hands. When you file your tax return online or by mail, you enter your PIN along with your regular filing information. The IRS verifies that the PIN matches their records. If someone tries to file a return using your Social Security number but provides the wrong PIN, the IRS will reject that return as suspicious.

Not every taxpayer receives or needs a PIN. The IRS primarily offers PINs to people who have experienced identity theft in the past, people who are at higher risk due to data breaches, or those who want extra protection. However, any individual can learn about PINs and understand how they work, whether or not you currently have one.

Practical Takeaway: An IRS PIN is a six-digit security code that helps protect your tax account from fraudulent filing. Understanding what a PIN is and how it works gives you knowledge about one layer of tax security the IRS provides.

How the IRS Sends PIN Information to Taxpayers

If the IRS determines that you should have a PIN, they will mail it to you. The IRS does not send PINs by email or phone. This is important because scammers often try to trick people into revealing personal information by pretending to represent the IRS and contacting them electronically. A legitimate PIN communication from the IRS comes through the mail to your address on file.

When the IRS mails your PIN, it typically arrives in a letter labeled as "IRS PIN Notice" or similar. The letter contains your six-digit PIN and instructions on how to use it. The IRS mails these letters to the address they have in their system for you. If you have moved recently and did not update your address with the IRS, you might not receive the letter. This is one reason why keeping your address current with the IRS matters.

The timing of PIN delivery varies. If you request a PIN through the IRS website (using their Self-Selected PIN process), you may see your PIN online immediately or within a few days, depending on verification. If the IRS assigns you a PIN due to identity theft or other concerns, the mailed letter typically arrives within one to three weeks. During tax season, mail may take longer due to higher volume.

If you believe the IRS sent you a PIN but you never received it, you have several options. You can create a Self-Selected PIN online through the IRS website if you meet their verification requirements. You can also call the IRS directly using the phone number on their official website or a prior tax return to ask about your PIN. Be cautious about phone numbers you find through a search engine, as some results may be fraudulent.

Practical Takeaway: The IRS mails legitimate PINs to your address on file. If you do not receive a mailed PIN, you can create a Self-Selected PIN online or contact the IRS directly. Never trust a PIN sent by email or text message.

Recognizing IRS PIN Scams and Fraudulent Requests

Scammers frequently impersonate the IRS and contact people claiming they need to verify a PIN or provide one over the phone. These are red flags for fraud. The real IRS will never call you demanding a PIN or threatening immediate action if you do not provide one. Scammers use urgency and fear to pressure people into giving up sensitive information.

Common tactics used in IRS PIN scams include threatening arrest, claiming your account is locked, demanding immediate payment, or saying you must verify your identity right now. The caller may have some of your real information (like your name or partial Social Security number) which they found through data breaches or purchased from other scammers. This makes the call seem more believable. However, the IRS does not operate this way.

Here are warning signs of a fraudulent IRS PIN request:

• Someone calls you and demands your PIN by phone
• An email claims to be from the IRS and asks you to click a link or provide your PIN
• A text message requests your PIN or personal information
• The caller uses threatening language about arrest, liens, or immediate legal action
• You are told you must pay money right away or your account will be closed
• The caller asks you to purchase gift cards or wire money
• An email address appears to be from the IRS but the domain (the part after the @) is not an official IRS domain like irs.gov

If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from the IRS about a PIN, do not respond to it or provide any information. Instead, you can report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). TIGTA investigates fraud and scams related to the IRS. You can report scams online at the TIGTA website or by calling their hotline. Reporting helps protect other people from the same scam.

Practical Takeaway: The real IRS does not contact you by phone, email, or text to request your PIN. If you receive such a communication, it is likely a scam. Report it to TIGTA rather than responding to it.

Steps to Create or Request a Self-Selected PIN

The Self-Selected PIN process allows you to create your own six-digit PIN through the IRS website rather than waiting for one to arrive by mail. This process is one way to take control of your tax account security. To create a Self-Selected PIN, you will need to go to the official IRS website at irs.gov and look for the PIN creation tool.

The IRS uses a verification process before allowing you to create a PIN. You will need to provide information that only you would know, such as details from a previous tax return, personal information, and answers to security questions. The IRS system verifies this information against their records. This verification step protects your account by making sure that only the actual taxpayer can create a PIN.

Here is what the Self-Selected PIN process generally involves:

• Visit irs.gov and navigate to the Self-Selected PIN section
• Enter your Social Security number and other personal details
• Answer verification questions based on your personal and financial history
• If verified successfully, create a six-digit PIN of your choice
• Write down your PIN and store it in a secure location
• Use your PIN when filing your tax return

When creating your own PIN, choose a number that is not easy for others to guess. Do not use birthdays, anniversaries, sequential numbers like 123456, or numbers that repeat like 111111. Once you create your PIN, write it down and keep it somewhere safe, such as a locked drawer or secure password manager. You will need it when you file your tax return. If you forget your PIN, you can request a new one through the IRS website or contact them by phone.

Practical Takeaway: You can create your own PIN through the IRS website by verifying your identity and choosing a six-digit code. This gives you a way to protect your account without waiting for the IRS to mail you a PIN.

Using Your PIN When Filing Taxes and Contacting the IRS

Once you have a PIN, you use it when filing your tax return. If you file electronically (which