What is an IP PIN?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number (SSN) on fraudulent federal income tax returns.
If a taxpayer is a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft and the IRS has resolved their tax account issues, the IRS will mail the taxpayer a CP01A Notice with their new IP PIN each year.
If a taxpayer doesn’t already have an IP PIN, they may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect themself from tax-related identity theft. Anyone with a SSN or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.
IP PINs are used only on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR and 1040-SS.
To join the IRS IP PIN program or to learn more information go to irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin.
What should you do if you lost your IP PIN or didn’t receive a new one in the mail?
If the IRS issued you an IP PIN and you lost it or you didn’t receive a new one in the mail, you’ll need to obtain your IP PIN before you can e-file your tax return.
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 validate your identity so that you can access your online account.
If you’re unable to retrieve your IP PIN online:
You may call the IRS at 800-908-4490 for specialized assistance, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. your local time (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time), to have your IP PIN reissued to you. An assistor will verify your identity and mail your IP PIN to your address of record within 21 days.
Visit irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pinto to see more FAQs about IP PINs.
