Voluntary Identity Protection Pin
From 2020 on, any taxpayer who wants an IP PIN, even if they are not victims of identity theft, may obtain one.
The IP PIN is a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns with stolen Social Security numbers.
An IP PIN helps the IRS verify taxpayers’ identities and accept their electronic or paper tax returns for processing.
How to Get an IP PIN
The fastest, easiest and preferred way is by using the Get an IP PIN online tool. Here’s how it works:
- Go to IRS.gov/IPPIN, select the Get an IP PIN tool, verify your identity and create an account
- Once you have a username, password and security code, enter the Get an IP PIN tool
- Your IP PIN will be revealed to you online.
- You will receive a CP01A notice with your IP PIN in December or January by postal mail.
Important Information about IP PINs
- An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year.
- A new IP PIN needs to generated each year for your account.
- After you get an IP PIN it must be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year including prior year returns.
- Logging back into the Get an IP PIN tool, will display your current IP PIN if you lose or fail to receive your CP01A Notice.