What’s an IP PIN and Should You Have One for Protection?

What’s an IP PIN and Should You Have One for Protection?

The IRS has recently made some announcements to inform taxpayers about obtaining an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) that can help protect against tax-related identity theft. Here are some facts about an IP PIN.

• It’s a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
• It helps the IRS verify a taxpayer’s identity when he or she files an electronic or paper tax return.
• The number is known only to the taxpayer and the IRS. Users should never share their numbers with anyone but the IRS and their trusted tax advisors. The IRS will never call, email or text a request for an IP PIN.
• The IP PIN is valid for one calendar year; taxpayers must obtain a new one each year.
• Even though a taxpayer may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects his or her account

Don’t have an IP PIN?

If you don’t already have an IP PIN, you can get one as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is by using the online “Get an IP PIN” tool on the IRS website.

If you wish to get an IP PIN and you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you must register to validate your identity.

The IRS notes that if you’re a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft and tax agency has resolved your tax account issues, you will be mailed a CP01A Notice with your new IP PIN each year.