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

The Internal Revenue Service is expanding the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.

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.

How to Obtain an IP PIN

To obtain an IP PIN, the best option is the Get an IP PIN, the IRS online tool. Taxpayers must validate their identities through Secure Access authentication to access the tool and their IP PIN. Before attempting this process, you will need to obtain an IRS online services account.  You can register for one at Secure Access: How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools.

An IRS online services account allows you to securely access your individual account information such as:

• The amount you owe, updated for the current calendar day
• Your balance details by year
• Your payment history and any scheduled or pending payments
• Key information from your most recent tax return
• Payment plan details if you have one
• Digital copies of select notices from the IRS
• Request or verify your IRS issued identity theft PIN (IP-PIN)

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.