Your Free Guide to IRS IP PIN Protection

Understanding IRS IP PINs: What They Are and Why They Matter

An IP PIN is an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. This six-digit number serves as an additional security measure to prevent criminals from filing fraudulent tax returns in your name. When you have an IP PIN, you must enter it on your tax return along with your Social Security number. Without this correct PIN, the IRS will reject any tax return filed under your name, whether it's legitimate or fraudulent.

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The IRS created the IP PIN program in response to rising identity theft cases involving tax fraud. According to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, there were over 3 million reports of identity theft in 2022, with tax-related identity theft representing a significant portion of these cases. Criminals obtain Social Security numbers and personal information through data breaches, phishing emails, or other means, then file false tax returns to claim refunds they're not entitled to. By the time legitimate taxpayers discover the fraud, criminals have already received refund checks.

Only certain taxpayers receive IP PINs automatically from the IRS. The agency assigns them to individuals in states with high rates of tax-related identity theft and to people whose information has been compromised in a known data breach. If you've had your identity stolen before or if your state is part of the IP PIN program, the IRS will mail you a PIN notice to your address on file.

The IP PIN changes every year, usually around the beginning of tax season. You'll receive a new PIN in the mail from the IRS in mid-January through mid-February. This means you cannot use last year's PIN on this year's return. Keeping track of your current PIN and knowing how to use it is essential for filing your taxes correctly and protecting yourself from identity theft.

Practical takeaway: If you receive an IP PIN notice in the mail from the IRS, keep it in a safe place and reference it when filing your tax return. If you don't receive one but believe you need one due to identity theft concerns, you can request one from the IRS.

Who Should Have an IRS IP PIN and How They're Assigned

The IRS doesn't assign IP PINs to all taxpayers. Instead, the agency focuses on individuals most at risk of identity theft. The primary groups receiving IP PINs include residents of participating states and people who have experienced tax-related identity theft in the past.

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Currently, 16 states have mandatory IP PIN programs where the IRS assigns PINs to most tax filers. These states are: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Residents of these locations receive IP PINs automatically each year. The IRS selected these states based on data showing higher concentrations of tax identity theft cases in those regions.

Beyond the mandatory state program, the IRS also issues IP PINs to specific individuals who fit certain criteria. If you've reported identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission or directly to the IRS, you may receive an IP PIN. Additionally, if your information was compromised in a major data breach affecting IRS systems or if you've filed a Form 14039, which is the Identity Theft Affidavit, you become eligible for a PIN. The IRS tracks these reports and issues PINs accordingly.

You can also request an IP PIN even if you don't fall into the automatic assignment categories. Through the IRS Identity Protection PIN Online tool, you can request a PIN if you're concerned about identity theft risk. To use this online tool, you'll need to create or sign in to your IRS.gov account and verify your identity. The verification process typically involves answering security questions based on your personal financial history.

When the IRS issues an IP PIN, it's mailed to your current address on file with the agency. This is why it's important to keep your address information current with the IRS. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address, you might not receive your PIN. You can update your address through your IRS.gov account or by filing an amended return with your new address.

Practical takeaway: Check whether you live in a state with a mandatory IP PIN program. If you do, expect to receive a PIN in the mail each January or early February. If you don't live in a participating state but have experienced identity theft, reach out to the IRS about requesting one.

How to Obtain Your IP PIN if You Don't Have One

If you believe you need an IP PIN but haven't received one in the mail, you have several options for obtaining one. The easiest and fastest way is through the IRS's online tool on their official website. This method takes only a few minutes and provides immediate results in most cases.

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To request an IP PIN online, visit IRS.gov and navigate to the IP PIN section. You'll need to create an IRS.gov account if you don't already have one. The account creation process requires your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and address. Once your account is created, you can access the Identity Protection PIN tool. The system will ask you security questions to verify your identity. These questions are drawn from your credit history and financial accounts, so only you should know the answers.

After you answer the security questions correctly, the system will generate your six-digit IP PIN immediately and display it on your screen. Write down this number and store it somewhere safe. You can also print a copy for your records. This PIN is valid for the current tax year only, so you'll need to repeat this process next year to get a new one.

If you're unable to verify your identity online through the security questions, you can request an IP PIN by mail. Fill out Form 15227, Application for an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and mail it to the IRS office for your state. Include documentation proving your identity, such as a copy of your driver's license or passport. Processing times for mailed requests typically take four to six weeks.

Another option is to contact the IRS by phone. You can call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490. The representatives on this line can help you request an IP PIN or discuss your identity theft concerns. Be prepared to provide personal identifying information to verify who you are. Wait times can be lengthy, especially during tax season, so consider calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon for shorter hold times.

If you've already filed a tax return without your IP PIN and you're supposed to have one, you may receive a notice from the IRS saying your return was rejected. In this case, file an amended return, Form 1040-X, and include your IP PIN on the corrected return. The IRS will then process your return normally.

Practical takeaway: Use the IRS.gov online tool to request your IP PIN if possible, as it's the quickest method. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and address information ready when you attempt the online process.

Using Your IP PIN When Filing Your Tax Return

Once you have your IP PIN, you must use it on every tax return you file for that tax year. The process differs slightly depending on whether you file electronically or by mail, but the requirement is the same in both cases.

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If you file your federal tax return electronically through tax software or a tax professional, the software will have a specific field where you enter your IP PIN. This field typically appears near the top of the return or in the section where you enter your Social Security number. Read the instructions in your tax software carefully to locate the correct field. Simply enter your six-digit PIN in the space provided. The tax software will then include this information when it transmits your return to the IRS electronically.

If you file a paper return by mail, you'll need to write your IP PIN on the appropriate line of your Form 1040 or other applicable tax form. The IRS instructions that come with tax forms show exactly where to write your PIN. Most returns have a line labeled "IP PIN" near your name and Social Security number. Write the six digits clearly in the boxes provided.

It's critical that you enter your IP PIN correctly. If you make a mistake or omit it entirely when you're required to have one, the IRS will reject your return. A rejected return is not processed, which means any refund you're owed will be delayed. The IRS will send you a notice explaining that your return was rejected due to a missing or incorrect IP PIN. You'll then need