Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2025

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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What they are and why you should have one!  

A problem occurs

Imagine if you sit down to do your taxes online and the IRS rejects your tax return once you file because someone else is using your Social Security number? This, unfortunately, happens from time to time. It might occur because someone filed taxes using an incorrect number or it could be due to fraud.

Being proactive

Identity protection pins are a great way to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. They essentially are six-digit numbers that prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). This number, called the identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN), is known only to you and IRS. It is used to help the IRS verify your identity when you file an electronic or paper tax return.

The IRS shares that even though you may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects your account. Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN, including individuals living abroad.

It’s no fun to be a victim of tax-related identity theft. For confirmed victims, not only will the IRS work to resolve your account issues, but they will also mail you a CP01A Notice with your new IP PIN each year. Note that an IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and a new IP PIN is generated each year for your account. An IP PIN must be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year including prior year returns.

How to get an IP PIN

The IRS shares information on how to get an IP PIN on their official site at www.irs.gov. The quickest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your Online Account. If you don’t have an account on IRS.gov, you must register to validate your identity.  Once you have opted in and obtained an IP PIN online, you will need to retrieve your IP PIN online each calendar year as a CP01A notice will not be mailed.

A few more things to know

• Having an identity protection PIN is a proactive step in protecting yourself from tax-related identity theft.
• Most tax professionals suggest that tax clients establish an IP PIN for fraud protection.
• How it works: A person will enter the six-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software product. Or one may provide this number to a trusted tax professional who is preparing their return.
• Note that correct IP PINS must be entered on tax returns to avoid rejections and delays. Incorrect or missing IP PINS can result in the rejection of an e-filed return or a delay of a paper return until information is verified.
• Do not share your IP PIN with anyone but your trusted tax advisor – and only when you are ready to sign and submit your tax return.
• The IRS makes it clear that they will never ask for your IP PIN. Phone calls, emails, or texts asking for your IP PIN are scams. Do NOT give out your IP PIN.

Helping you stay protected

The IRS is continually working hard to reduce tax-related identity theft. Therefore, they offer an extra layer of protection for taxpayers by introducing identity protection PINs. It is generally wise to take proactive measures to ensure that your tax information cannot be accessed by other individuals.

Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as individual advice. Contact your tax professional or the IRS to learn more.