Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
Learn how to get or retrieve your IRS Identity Protection PIN to safeguard your tax return from identity theft.
What is an IP PIN?
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number assigned by the IRS to help prevent the misuse of your Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.
How It Works
You'll receive a new IP PIN each year. When filing your tax return, you must enter this PIN along with your personal information. The IRS will reject an e-filed return without the correct IP PIN, and a paper return without it will be delayed while the IRS reviews it for identity theft.
Added Security
The IP PIN provides an extra layer of security, helping to verify your identity and prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number.
Important
Once you opt-in to the IP PIN program, you'll need to use your IP PIN every year when filing your federal tax return. Keep it confidential and secure.
Who Needs an IP PIN?
Confirmed Identity Theft Victims
If the IRS has confirmed you were a victim of tax-related identity theft, it automatically mails you a new IP PIN each year.
- Your new IP PIN arrives each year by mail on a CP01A notice
- You can also retrieve it online during the retrieval window (mid-January through mid-November)
- Enrollment is mandatory for confirmed victims
Voluntary Opt-In
Anyone can voluntarily opt in to the IP PIN program for added protection, even if you haven't been a victim of identity theft.
- Available to anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity, including dependents of any age
- Provides proactive protection against tax identity theft
- Recommended for those concerned about identity theft
How to Apply for an IP PIN
Step-by-Step Guide
Sign In to Your IRS Online Account
Enrollment happens through your IRS Online Account. If you don't have one yet, you'll create it and complete the IRS identity verification process first.
IRS Get an IP PIN PageRequest Your IP PIN
Once you're signed in, go to your profile and choose the option to get an Identity Protection PIN. Have your Social Security number or ITIN and a photo ID handy for the identity verification step.
Receive Your IP PIN
Your IP PIN is shown in your Online Account. Each year you'll sign back in to get the new one, which is available online from mid-January through mid-November.
Can't Verify Online?
If you can't verify your identity online, you have two other options. If your adjusted gross income is under $84,000 ($168,000 if married filing jointly), you can file Form 15227 and the IRS will contact you to verify your identity by phone. Otherwise, you can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center and verify in person. If you enroll either way, your IP PIN is mailed to you each year on a CP01A notice.
How to Retrieve Your IP PIN
Lost or misplaced your IP PIN? Here are several ways to retrieve it:
Online Account
The fastest way to retrieve your IP PIN is through your IRS Online Account, available mid-January through mid-November.
Access Your Account →By Phone
If you can't get it online, call the IRS. After verifying your identity, the IRS mails a reissued IP PIN, usually within about 21 days.
800-908-4490In Person
Make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center and bring photo identification.
Find a Location →IP PIN Renewal Timeline
Your IP PIN changes every year. If you enrolled online, you'll sign in to your IRS Online Account to get the new one. A CP01A notice with your new IP PIN is mailed each year only to confirmed identity theft victims and to people who enrolled by Form 15227 or in person.
- New IP PINs are issued annually
- Available online from mid-January through mid-November
- Online enrollees retrieve it online; it is not mailed to them
Important Tips for Using Your IP PIN
Enter Your IP PIN When Filing
You must enter your six-digit IP PIN when filing your federal tax return electronically or by paper. An e-filed return without it will be rejected, and a paper return without it will be delayed while the IRS reviews it for identity theft.
Keep It Confidential
Your IP PIN is as sensitive as your Social Security number. Don't share it with anyone except your trusted tax preparer when filing your return.
Spouses and Dependents
Each enrolled person has their own IP PIN. On a joint return, enter the IP PIN for each spouse who has one; a spouse who isn't enrolled doesn't need one. Dependents of any age can be enrolled too (those under 18 through Form 15227 or an in-person Taxpayer Assistance Center visit), and their IP PIN goes on any return that claims them.
State Tax Returns
The IP PIN is only for federal tax returns. Some states have their own identity protection programs. Check with your state tax agency for details.
Need Help with Your IP PIN or Tax Return?
Our tax professionals can help you navigate the IP PIN process and ensure your return is filed correctly and securely.
Additional Resources
IRS IP PIN Information Page
Official IRS page with complete details about the Identity Protection PIN program.
Identity Theft Central
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