What's an IP PIN?
The IRS IP PIN is a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.
What does an IP PIN do?
An IP PIN helps us verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return. When you have an IP PIN, it prevents someone else from filing a tax return with your SSN.
If a return is e-filed with your SSN and an incorrect or missing IP PIN, our system will reject it until you submit it with the correct IP PIN or you file on paper. If the same conditions occur on a paper filed return, we will delay its processing and any refund you may be due for your protection while we determine if it’s yours.
Who is eligible for an IRS IP PIN?
You're eligible for an IP PIN if:
- We sent you a CP01A Notice containing your IP PIN, or
- You filed your federal tax return last year as a resident of Florida, Georgia or the District of Columbia, or
- You received an IRS letter inviting you to 'opt-in' to get an IP PIN.
How do I get an IP PIN?
- If you received a CP01A Notice in December, your IP PIN is located at the bottom of the first column.
- If you filed your tax return last year with an address in Florida, Georgia or the District of Columbia, you're invited to participate in the IP PIN program by going to Get an IP PIN. The program is not limited to identity theft victims.
- If you lost your IP PIN or didn't receive your new one, Retrieve Your IP PIN for more information.
What do I need to do after I get an IRS IP PIN?
You must use the IP PIN on all federal income tax returns 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and 1040 PR/SS and any delinquent returns filed during the current calendar year.
- Don't reveal your IP PIN to anyone other than your tax preparer. Reveal it only when you are ready to sign and submit your federal income tax return.
- You can't use your IRS IP PIN on a state income tax return. If you state also issues identity protection PINs, use it only for the state income tax return.
If you file your federal tax return without your IRS assigned IP PIN:
- Your electronic return will be rejected and you won't be able to e-File
- Your paper return will be subject to additional screenings to validate your identity and will delay any refund you may be receiving.
If you lost your IP PIN or didn't receive your new one,
Use our online tool Get an IP PIN or visit Retrieve Your IP PIN for more information.
For additional information
Please visit the IP PIN FAQ page