How To Get an Identity Protection Pin

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An Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit number eligible taxpayers get to help prevent their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from being used to file fraudulent federal income tax returns. This number helps the IRS verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their tax return. The Get An IP PIN tool enables anyone with an SSN or ITIN to get an IP PIN after verifying their identity through a rigorous authentication process. For security reasons, tax pros cannot get an IP PIN on behalf of clients.

Facts taxpayers should know about the IP PIN:

  • It’s a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS.
  • The opt-in program is voluntary.
  • The IP PIN should be entered onto the electronic tax return when prompted by the software product or onto a paper return next to the signature line.
  • The IP PIN is valid for one calendar year.
  • For security reasons, enrolled participants get a new IP PIN each year.
  • Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can verify their identities.
  • IP PIN users should never share their number with anyone but the IRS and their trusted tax preparation provider. The IRS will never call, email, or text a request for the IP PIN.

Currently, taxpayers can get an IP PIN for 2021, which should be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year, including prior year returns. New IP PINs will be available starting in January 2022.

Taxpayers Unable to Validate Identity Online

Taxpayers who are unable to validate their identity online and have income of $72,000 or less, can file Form 15227 (EN-SP), Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number. The IRS will call the phone number the taxpayer provided on Form 15227 to validate the taxpayer’s identity. However, for security reasons, the IRS will assign an IP PIN for the next filing season, and the taxpayer cannot use the IP PIN for the current filing season.

Taxpayers who cannot validate their identity online, or by the phone, or who are ineligible to file a Form 15227 can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. Please call the office if you need assistance locating a center. Before arriving at their appointment, taxpayers will need to bring one current government-issued picture ID and another identification document to prove their identity. Once verified, the taxpayer will receive an IP PIN in the mail, usually within three weeks.

Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. If desired, we would be pleased to perform the requisite research and provide you with a detailed written analysis. Such an engagement may be the subject of a separate engagement letter that would define the scope and limits of the desired consultation services.