IRS Online Account and Identity Protection PINs protect against identity thieves and scammers

IRS Identity Protection PINs, or IP PINs, are a vital tool to protect taxpayers from identity thieves. The IRS encourages taxpayers to get an IP PIN and establish their IRS Online Account. These tools help guard against fraudsters trying to steal personal and financial information.

Important things to know about an IP PIN

• It's a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS.
• The program is voluntary, though it’s strongly encouraged.
• In cases of proven identity theft, taxpayers will be assigned an IP PIN.
• The IP PIN should be entered on the electronic tax return when prompted by the software product or on a paper return next to the signature line.
• Only taxpayers who can verify their identity can get an IP PIN.
• Tax professionals cannot get an IP PIN on behalf of their clients.
• Each IP PIN is valid for one year. When it expires, a new one is generated for security reasons.
• Some participants will receive their IP PIN in the mail. Others will have to log in to the Get an IP PIN tool to get their IP PIN.
• Taxpayers already enrolled in the program can log in to the Get an IP PIN tool to see their current IP PIN.
• Taxpayers with an IP PIN must use it when filing any federal tax returns during the year, including prior year tax returns or amended returns.
• IP PIN users should share their number only with the IRS and their tax preparation provider.
• The IRS will never call, email or text the taxpayer to request their IP PIN.

How to request an IP PIN
After a taxpayer verifies their identity, the Get an IP PIN tool lets people with a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number to request an IP PIN online. Taxpayers should review the identity verification requirements before they use the Get An IP PIN tool.

Tax professionals should advise clients affected by identity theft to request an IP PIN. Even if a thief has already filed a fraudulent tax return, an IP PIN could prevent the taxpayer from being a repeat victim of tax-related identity theft.

Taxpayers who can't validate their identity online can still get an IP PIN
Taxpayers who can't validate their identity online and whose income is below a certain threshold can file Form 15227 (EN-SP), Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number. The 2024 threshold is $79,000 for individuals or $158,000 for married couples filing joint returns.

Taxpayers who can't validate their identity online or by phone, those who are ineligible to file a Form 15227 or those who are having or technical difficulties can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center

APA citation: Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). IRS identity protection PINs. U.S. Department of the Treasury. https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-protection-pin