Securing your identity, especially when it comes to your tax information, is paramount in today's digital age. The IRS Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a powerful tool designed to do just that – protect you from tax-related identity theft. It's a unique six-digit number that only you and the IRS know, acting as a secret key to unlock your tax return. Without it, a fraudulent return filed with your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) will be rejected.
Are you ready to take control of your tax security? Let's dive in and learn how to get your IP PIN from the IRS, step-by-step!
How to Get Your IP PIN from the IRS: A Comprehensive Guide
There are several ways to obtain your IP PIN, depending on your situation and preferences. The fastest and most recommended method is online, but alternatives exist for those who cannot use the online portal.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Need for an IP PIN
Before you even think about getting your IP PIN, ask yourself: Do I need one, or am I already assigned one?
- You are a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft: If the IRS has identified you as a victim and resolved your account issues, you will automatically be mailed a new IP PIN each year via a CP01A Notice. In this case, you don't need to apply, but you will need to retrieve it if you lose the notice or don't receive it.
- You want to proactively protect yourself: Even if you haven't been a victim of identity theft, you can opt-in to the IP PIN program as a proactive measure. This is highly recommended for everyone with an SSN or ITIN.
- Spouses and Dependents: Spouses and dependents are also eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity verification process. If they have an IP PIN, it must be included on your tax return if you're filing jointly or claiming them.
Important Note: Once you've opted in and obtained an IP PIN, you generally must use it when filing any federal tax returns for that calendar year, including prior-year returns. If you don't, your e-filed return will be rejected, and paper returns will face significant delays.
Step 2: The Fastest Way – Online Through Your IRS Online Account
This is the most efficient and recommended method for obtaining your IP PIN.
Sub-heading 2.1: Setting Up or Accessing Your IRS Online Account
If you already have an IRS Online Account, great! Skip to the next sub-heading. If not, you'll need to create one, and this involves a robust identity verification process.
- Visit the IRS Website: Go to the official IRS "Get an IP PIN" page. You can usually find this by searching "IRS Get an IP PIN" on Google.
- Locate the "Get an IP PIN" Button/Link: Click on the designated button or link to start the process.
- Sign In or Create an Account:
- Existing Users: If you have an account, sign in using your credentials.
- New Users: You will be prompted to create an account. This typically involves using a third-party identity verification service like ID.me. Be prepared for a thorough verification process.
- ID.me Verification: This is a crucial step. You'll likely need to:
- Provide your email address and create a password.
- Verify your email address.
- Upload images of your government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, passport).
- Take a "video selfie" using your smartphone or computer webcam.
- In some cases, you might have to engage in a live video call with an ID.me representative to complete the verification.
- Patience is key here. While the process can be completed in 10-15 minutes for some, others might experience delays depending on their documentation and the verification steps required.
- ID.me Verification: This is a crucial step. You'll likely need to:
Sub-heading 2.2: Retrieving Your IP PIN Once Logged In
Once your identity is successfully verified and you're logged into your IRS Online Account:
- Navigate to Your Profile Page: Look for a link or section labeled "Profile" or similar.
- Locate the IP PIN Section: Scroll down until you find the section related to Identity Protection PINs.
- Request Your IP PIN: There will be an option to "Get an IP PIN" or "Retrieve your IP PIN." Click on this.
- View Your IP PIN: Your current six-digit IP PIN will be displayed on the screen.
- Important: Write it Down and Keep it Safe! This IP PIN is valid for the entire calendar year for which it's issued. You'll need it for all federal tax returns you file during that period. The IRS will not email it to you.
- Print or Save the Page: It's a good idea to print this page or save it as a PDF for your records. Store it securely with your other tax documents.
Note: For individuals who opted in online, you will not receive a CP01A Notice in the mail with your new IP PIN each year. You must retrieve it online annually.
Step 3: Alternative Methods for Obtaining Your IP PIN
If for some reason you cannot successfully establish an online account or prefer not to, the IRS offers alternative methods, though they are generally slower.
Sub-heading 3.1: Requesting by Mail Using Form 15227
This option is available if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on your last filed return is below a certain threshold: currently, $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing jointly.
- Download Form 15227: Go to IRS.gov and search for "Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number." Download and print the form.
- Fill Out the Form Accurately: Provide all the requested information, including your SSN or ITIN and a valid telephone number.
- Mail the Form: Send the completed Form 15227 to the IRS address specified in the form instructions.
- IRS Call and Verification: The IRS will use the telephone number you provided on the form to call you and validate your identity. Be sure to answer calls from unfamiliar numbers during this period.
- Receive IP PIN by Mail: Once your identity is verified, the IRS will mail your IP PIN to your address of record, usually within four to six weeks. After your initial IP PIN is received this way, you should then receive a new one annually via mail.
Sub-heading 3.2: In-Person Appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)
This is the least convenient but an available option if you cannot verify your identity online or via Form 15227, or if you are ineligible to file Form 15227.
- Make an Appointment: Call the IRS to schedule an appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). You cannot simply walk in for this service.
- Gather Required Documents: Bring the following to your appointment:
- One current government-issued picture identification document (e.g., driver's license, passport).
- Another identification document to further prove your identity.
- Any relevant tax documents that might help with identity verification.
- In-Person Verification: An IRS representative will verify your identity during your appointment.
- Receive IP PIN by Mail: After successful identity verification, your IP PIN will be mailed to you, typically within three weeks. Similar to the Form 15227 method, you will then receive a new IP PIN annually through the mail.
Step 4: Using Your IP PIN When Filing
Once you have your IP PIN, do not lose it! It's essential for successful tax filing.
- Electronic Filing: When using tax software or a tax preparer, you will be prompted to enter the six-digit IP PIN in the designated field. Every taxpayer on a return (primary, spouse, and even dependents if they have one) who has an IP PIN must enter theirs. If the IP PIN is missing or incorrect, your e-filed return will be rejected.
- Paper Filing: If you are filing a paper return, write your IP PIN in the box labeled "Identity Protection PIN" to the right of your signature line. If filing jointly, the second taxpayer on the return should write their IP PIN next to their signature line as well.
Step 5: Annual Renewal and Safekeeping
Remember, your IP PIN is only valid for one calendar year. A new IP PIN is generated each year for security reasons.
- Online Opt-in Users: You must log back into your IRS Online Account each year (typically starting mid-January) to retrieve your new IP PIN. The IRS will not mail it to you.
- Identity Theft Victims or Mail/In-Person Filers: If you were a victim of identity theft or obtained your initial IP PIN via Form 15227 or a TAC appointment, the IRS will generally mail you a new CP01A Notice with your new IP PIN each December/January.
- Safeguard Your IP PIN: Treat your IP PIN like your SSN. Do not share it with anyone except the IRS or your trusted tax preparer. The IRS will never call, email, or text you to ask for your IP PIN. Be wary of scams!
By following these steps, you can effectively obtain and utilize your IRS IP PIN, adding a critical layer of defense against tax-related identity theft and ensuring a smoother tax filing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the IRS IP PIN
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further assist you:
How to check if I already have an IP PIN?
You can check if you have an IP PIN by attempting to retrieve it through your IRS Online Account. If you have one, it will be displayed. If you're a confirmed identity theft victim, you should have received a CP01A notice in the mail.
How to retrieve a lost IP PIN if I previously opted in online?
If you opted in online, the only way to retrieve a lost IP PIN is to log back into your IRS Online Account. It will be available on your "Profile" page. The IRS does not mail IP PINs to online opt-in participants.
How to retrieve a lost IP PIN if I'm an identity theft victim or received it by mail?
If you're a confirmed identity theft victim or received your initial IP PIN via mail (Form 15227 or TAC visit), you can call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Assistance (IPSA) Unit at 800-908-4490. If they can verify your identity over the phone, they will mail your IP PIN to your address of record within 21 days.
How to get an IP PIN for my dependent child?
To get an IP PIN for a dependent child, you generally need to complete and submit Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number, using the dependent's SSN or ITIN. Minor dependent IP PINs cannot be retrieved online.
How to use the IP PIN when filing my taxes?
When filing electronically, your tax software or preparer will have a dedicated field for the six-digit IP PIN. For paper returns, write the IP PIN in the designated box next to the signature line.
How to know if my IP PIN is still valid?
Each IP PIN is only valid for one calendar year. You will need a new one for each filing season. Online opt-in participants must retrieve a new one online annually, while identity theft victims or those who obtained it via mail/in-person should receive a new one by mail each December/January.
How to prevent my IP PIN from being stolen?
Treat your IP PIN like other sensitive personal information. Do not share it with anyone except the IRS or your trusted tax preparer. Be wary of phishing scams via email, text, or phone calls claiming to be from the IRS and asking for your IP PIN. The IRS will never request your IP PIN in this manner.
How to apply for an IP PIN if my income is too high for Form 15227?
If your AGI exceeds the threshold for Form 15227, and you cannot verify your identity online, your primary alternative is to make an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) for in-person identity verification.
How to tell if my e-filed return was rejected due to an IP PIN error?
Your tax software or tax preparer will provide you with a rejection code if your e-filed return is rejected. If it's related to an IP PIN, the rejection message will often explicitly state that an IP PIN is missing or incorrect for a specific SSN/ITIN on the return.
How to opt out of the IP PIN program?
If you initially opted into the IP PIN program online and are not a victim of tax-related identity theft, you may be able to opt out of the IP PIN program via your IRS Online Account. However, if you were assigned an IP PIN due to identity theft, you cannot opt out.
