The IRS has announced that their IRS Identity Protection (IP) PIN Program will be available to all taxpayers in January. While this is not a mandatory program, taking advantage of this program can increase the security of your tax return filing. The IP Pin is a 6 digit number assigned to taxpayers who participate in the program and this PIN must be entered when filing their return. If you sign up for the program and a return is filed using your Social Security number without the IP PIN, the IRS will not accept the return filing. This number is valid for one year and must be renewed each year to participate.
NOTE: Participation in this program is optional to increase security and is NOT required.
Read the full IRS announcement here.