An IRS Identity Protection PIN: What Is It & How to Get It? (2024)

What is an IRS Identity Protection PIN?

An IRS IP PIN is a six-digit pin number that only you and the IRS know. It’s a way to stop IRS identity theft on federal tax returns, because it prevents others from filing a tax return with your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).

How to request an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS

The quickest way to request an IRS Identity Protection PIN is to go directly to the IRS website. You’ll be prompted to create an ID.me account (or sign in, if you already have one) so the IRS can verify your identity.

An IRS Identity Protection PIN: What Is It & How to Get It? (2)

Do I get a new IP PIN every year?

Yes, you’re assigned a new IP PIN every year. If you don’t receive one in the mail, or you lose it, IRS pin retrieval is possible using the Get an IP PIN tool on the IRS website. Or, you can call +1 800-908-4490 for help. A new yearly PIN can help protect you in the event of a security breach.

To find this 5-digit pin for taxes, you can also ask your Electronic Return Originator (ERO) or accountant. They should be able to get it through tax preparation software.

When and why you would need an IRS IP PIN

You should request an IRS IP PIN number if you want to protect your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) — or those of your dependents. An IP PIN is essential if you’ve already been defrauded due to data brokers, ATM skimmers, or other identity theft schemes. If you report the identity theft, you’ll automatically receive an IP PIN.

Even if you’re careful to avoid social engineering ploys like phishing attacks, a dark web scan might reveal that your personal tax data has already been compromised (perhaps a hacker type used a keylogger or other nefarious tactic to steal your data). Getting an identity protection pin from the IRS gives you added security.

Prevent identity theft by monitoring for data breaches

Your sensitive data is all over the web, not just with the IRS. Avast BreachGuard monitors the web 24/7, and it will let you know if your accounts were involved in a leak. BreachGuard even keeps tabs on the dark web, giving you time to change your account login details before they’re hacked. Start protectingyour credentials and your accounts today with Avast BreachGuard.

An IRS Identity Protection PIN: What Is It & How to Get It? (2024)

FAQs

An IRS Identity Protection PIN: What Is It & How to Get It? ›

How to get an IP PIN. The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your online account. If you don't already have an account on IRS.gov

IRS.gov
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the revenue service for the United States federal government, which is responsible for collecting U.S. federal taxes and administering the Internal Revenue Code, the main body of the federal statutory tax law.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Internal_Revenue_Service
, you must register to validate your identity. Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity verification process.

How do I find out my IRS identity protection pin? ›

How to retrieve your IP PIN online. You may use your online account to retrieve your current IP PIN. If you don't already have an account on IRS.gov, you will be asked to create an account and validate your identity.

What is my IRS 5 digit pin? ›

The Self-Select PIN allows taxpayers to electronically sign their e-file return by entering a five-digit PIN into the tax software. The PIN is any five numbers taxpayers choose to enter as their electronic signature. (Volunteers may suggest taxpayers use their ZIP code.) The number cannot be all zeros.

How do I find my self-select pin? ›

What if I can't remember last years AGI or PIN? You may call the IRS toll free number at 1-800-829-1040 or use the link on our self select pin page to enter data to receive that information.

Does everyone have an IP pin? ›

All individual taxpayers can opt in to voluntarily receive an IP PIN. Spouses and dependents can also receive IP PINs as long as they pass the identification process.

Do I have to get a new IRS PIN every year? ›

The IP PIN is only valid for one year, and the IRS sends a new IP PIN to taxpayers in the program annually.

Where can I find my personal identification number? ›

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  • Retrieve your IP PIN online at the IRS's Get an IP PIN site; or.
  • Call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to have your IP PIN mailed to you. Will take up to 21 days. Pandemic delays it longer.

Can I verify my identity for IRS online? ›

Set Up an Online Account

Your IRS online account is a simple and secure way to access your tax records, make and view payments and more. If you are a new user, you will have to set up your account and verify your identity using ID.me.

What is the number for IRS identity verification? ›

Then, the taxpayer should call the IRS using the toll-free Identity Verification telephone number: (800) 830-5084.

What is a 5 digit PIN? ›

A 5-Digit PIN is a unique PIN that may be used as an alternative means of logging in to your Mobile App. To use, simply tap "Log in with 5-Digit PIN" at the login screen, and then enter your unique PIN to log in to your account.

What is the difference between self-select PIN and identity protection PIN? ›

The Self-Select PIN is a random five-digit number that you enter as your electronic signature when e-filing your return. The IP PIN is a six-digit number that the IRS assigns to victims of tax-related identity theft.

How do I find my 5 digit PIN for taxes at TurboTax? ›

The 5 digit self-selected PIN you used to e-file last year with TurboTax is on the Federal Information worksheet for the year you filed, on Page 4 of the worksheet.

How do I call the IRS about my taxes? ›

Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 and use the automated system, or speak with an agent by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). However, if you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.

How do I know my IRS PIN? ›

To get an IP PIN that is lost, forgotten, or never arrived in a CP01A Notice, use the IP PIN request portal at IRS.gov. If you can't access your IP PIN online, call (800) 908-4490 for help getting your IP PIN reissued.

How long will the IRS send me a PIN number? ›

We will use the telephone number provided on the Form 15227 to call you and validate your identity. Once we verify your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within four to six weeks. You will then receive your IP PIN annually through the mail.

What happens if I lost my IRS PIN? ›

No, If you know you need an IP PIN to file your taxes and you lost your CP01A letter (or never received it), you can: Retrieve your IP PIN online at the IRS's Get an IP PIN site; or. Call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to have your IP PIN mailed to you.

How do I get my e-file pin number? ›

If you can't access your IP PIN online, call (800) 908-4490 for help getting your IP PIN reissued. Don't file your tax return without your IP PIN. Your return will only be accepted with your correct IP PIN, even if you have prior-year AGI. To learn more, see our Tax Guide page on IP PINs.

Has the IRS sent IP PINs for 2024? ›

Taxpayers can get an IP PIN now for 2023. The IRS will issue new IP PINs starting in January 2024.

How do I get my IRS signature pin? ›

Steps to Apply and Use Your PIN:
  1. Complete the on-line signature PIN registration process, which is in your software package.
  2. Once approved, IRS will send you a 10-digit PIN.
  3. You will receive the PIN in a sealed and uncompromised envelope. ...
  4. Use the designated PIN to sign your Employment Tax returns electronically.
Nov 22, 2023

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