Feeling a little anxious about filing your taxes, especially with all the talk about identity theft? You're not alone! The IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a fantastic tool designed to put your mind at ease and safeguard your tax return from fraudulent activity. If you've been assigned an IP PIN and either lost it, misplaced your CP01A notice, or just need to retrieve your current one, don't panic! The process is straightforward, and this lengthy guide will walk you through every step.
Let's dive in and get that IP PIN securely in your hands!
Understanding Your IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
Before we get to retrieval, let's briefly understand what an IP PIN is and why it's so important.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number that acts as a unique identifier, known only to you and the IRS. Its primary purpose is to prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). When you file your tax return, whether electronically or by paper, you must include your current year's IP PIN if you've been issued one. If you don't, the IRS will reject your electronic return or significantly delay the processing of your paper return, which could impact your refund.
Think of it as an extra layer of security, like a personal password for your tax account.
Step 1: Determine How You Were Issued an IP PIN (and Why it Matters)
This is a crucial first step, as it influences the retrieval method. Were you:
- A victim of identity theft? If the IRS identified you as a victim of tax-related identity theft, they would have automatically assigned you an IP PIN and mailed you a CP01A notice each year.
- Opted-in to the IP PIN program voluntarily? Since 2021, any taxpayer with an SSN or ITIN can choose to opt-in to the IP PIN program. If you did this online, you typically won't receive a CP01A notice in the mail after your initial opt-in. Instead, you'll retrieve your new IP PIN each year through your IRS online account.
Why is this distinction important? If you opted in online, your online account is your primary source for the IP PIN. If you were assigned one due to identity theft, you might have received a CP01A notice, but the online tool is still the fastest way to get it if you've misplaced the notice.
Step 2: The Fastest Way – Retrieving Your IP PIN Online Through Your IRS Online Account
For most taxpayers, especially those who opted into the program or need immediate access, the IRS online account is the quickest and most efficient method to retrieve your IP PIN.
Sub-step 2.1: Access the IRS "Get an IP PIN" Tool
- Navigate to the IRS Website: Open your web browser and go to the official IRS website: www.irs.gov.
- Locate the IP PIN Section: Use the search bar on the IRS website or navigate to the "Identity Theft" or "File" sections. Look for "Retrieve your IP PIN" or "Get an Identity Protection PIN." A direct link is often available on the IRS website for this purpose.
Sub-step 2.2: Log In or Create Your IRS Online Account
- Existing Account Holders: If you already have an IRS online account, click on "Sign In." You will likely be redirected to the ID.me login page, which the IRS uses for secure identity verification. Enter your ID.me username and password.
- New Account Holders: If you do not have an IRS online account, you'll need to create one. This process involves a robust identity verification process, which may include:
- Providing your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Confirming your mailing address and filing status.
- Answering personal questions based on your credit history.
- Potentially uploading a photo of your government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) and taking a selfie for real-time biometric verification through ID.me. This can take some time, so be prepared.
Sub-step 2.3: Access Your IP PIN from Your Profile
- Successful Login: Once you've successfully logged into your IRS online account (or created one and verified your identity), you'll typically be taken to your dashboard or profile page.
- Locate the IP PIN: Look for a section related to your "Profile" or "Identity Protection PIN." Your current year's IP PIN should be displayed there. It's usually a six-digit number.
- Important Note: Take a moment to write down this IP PIN in a secure location. Do not rely solely on accessing it online, as you may not always have internet access when you need to file. Consider storing it with your other important tax documents.
- Minor Dependent IP PINs: If you need to retrieve an IP PIN for a minor dependent, you cannot do this online. You will need to call the IRS (see Step 3).
Step 3: Alternative Method – Requesting Your IP PIN by Phone
If you are unable to retrieve your IP PIN online (e.g., you cannot verify your identity through the online process, or you're trying to get a dependent's IP PIN), you can request it by phone.
- Prepare Your Information: Before calling, have the following information ready to help the IRS verify your identity:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your date of birth.
- Your filing status
for the tax year you're trying to retrieve the IP PIN for. - Your mailing address (as on file with the IRS).
- Information from a previous tax return (e.g., Adjusted Gross Income, specific lines from a prior year's return).
- Call the IRS IP PIN Helpline:
- In the U.S.: Call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490.
- International Users: Call +1-267-941-1000 (this is not a toll-free number).
- Business Hours: IRS phone lines are generally open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time).
- Identity Verification: An IRS assistor will ask you a series of questions to verify your identity. Be prepared to answer accurately.
- Receiving Your IP PIN by Mail: If you successfully verify your identity over the phone, the IRS will mail your IP PIN to the address on file within approximately 21 days. Please note: They typically do not provide the IP PIN over the phone for security reasons.
Step 4: Special Circumstances – In-Person Assistance or Form 15227
In some rare cases, if you cannot verify your identity online or by phone, or if you prefer in-person assistance, you have a couple of other options.
Sub-step 4.1: Visiting a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)
- Locate a TAC: Use the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool on IRS.gov to find the nearest office.
- Schedule an Appointment: It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment before visiting. You can often do this through the online tool or by calling the IRS at 1-844-545-5640.
- Bring Required Documents: When you go to your appointment, bring:
- Valid photo identification (e.g., driver's license, passport).
- Your Social Security Card or ITIN.
- Any relevant tax documents from prior years.
- Identity Verification: An IRS employee will verify your identity face-to-face.
- Receiving Your IP PIN by Mail: After successful verification, your IP PIN will be mailed to you, typically within three weeks.
Sub-step 4.2: Filing Form 15227 (Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number)
This option is generally for those who cannot verify their identity online and whose income is below a certain threshold (check the IRS website for current income thresholds, as they can change annually).
- Download Form 15227: You can download this form from the IRS website.
- Complete the Form: Fill out all required information accurately.
- Mail or Fax the Form: Follow the instructions on the form for where to mail or fax it.
- Phone Verification: The IRS will contact you by phone to validate your identity.
- Receiving Your IP PIN by Mail: Once your identity is confirmed, your IP PIN will be mailed to you, usually within 4 to 6 weeks.
Important Considerations for Your IP PIN
- Annual Renewal: Remember, your IP PIN is year-specific. A new IP PIN is generated for you every year. Even if you've had one for years, you'll need the current year's IP PIN to file.
- Keep it Secure: Treat your IP PIN like your Social Security Number. Do not share it with anyone except your trusted tax preparer. The IRS will never call, email, or text you asking for your IP PIN.
- Using it to File: When filing electronically, your tax software will prompt you to enter the IP PIN. For paper returns, enter it in the designated box near your signature. If you have dependents with an IP PIN, ensure their IP PINs are also included where required on the return.
- What if I don't use it? If you are required to use an IP PIN and don't include it on your return, your e-filed return will be rejected, and a paper return will face significant processing delays.
Retrieving your IP PIN on IRS.gov might seem like a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can secure this vital piece of information and protect yourself from tax identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related "How to" questions with quick answers to help you further:
How to Know if I Need an IP PIN?
You need an IP PIN if the IRS has assigned you one (often due to identity theft) or if you voluntarily opted into the IP PIN program. If you are unsure, the fastest way to check is by attempting to retrieve one through your IRS online account.
How to Get an IP PIN for the First Time?
You can get an IP PIN for the first time by visiting the "Get an IP PIN" tool on IRS.gov and following the identity verification steps to enroll in the program.
How to Renew My IP PIN Each Year?
If you opted in online, you'll typically retrieve your new IP PIN annually by logging into your IRS online account starting in early January. If the IRS automatically assigned you one (due to identity theft), they usually mail a new CP01A notice with your updated IP PIN each December/January.
How to Get an IP PIN for My Dependent Child?
You cannot retrieve a minor dependent's IP PIN online. You must call the IRS IP PIN helpline at 1-800-908-4490 to have it reissued to the address on file.
How to Find My IP PIN If I Lost My CP01A Notice?
The easiest way is to log into your IRS online account and retrieve it from your profile page. If you can't access your online account, you can call the IRS IP PIN helpline to have it mailed to you.
How to Handle an IP PIN Mismatch When E-Filing?
If your e-filed return is rejected due to an IP PIN mismatch, it means the IP PIN entered is incorrect or belongs to the wrong tax year/person. Double-check the current year's IP PIN for all taxpayers on the return (yourself, spouse, dependents) through your IRS online account or by contacting the IRS, then re-file.
How to Get Help If I Can't Verify My Identity Online for an IP PIN?
If online identity verification fails, you can try calling the IRS IP PIN helpline (1-800-908-4490) or schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) for assistance.
How to Protect My IP PIN?
Always keep your IP PIN in a secure place, like with your other tax records. Never share it with anyone except your trusted tax preparer. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for your IP PIN – the IRS will never ask for it this way.
How to Use My IP PIN on My Tax Return?
When e-filing, your tax software will have a specific field to enter your IP PIN. For paper returns, there's a designated box near your signature line (and your spouse's, if applicable) to write in your six-digit IP PIN.
How to Know If I'm Eligible for the IP PIN Program?
Anyone with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who can successfully verify their identity is eligible to opt into the IP PIN program. Victims of identity theft are automatically assigned one.
