An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your social security number or individual taxpayer identification number. The IRS issues new IP PINs every year and is used to verify your identify when you file your tax return. This is especially helpful for those who have been a victim of tax-related identity theft.
Anyone can request an IP PIN, not just those who have had identity theft issues; however, be aware that once you start using IP PINs, you must continue to use them every year you file until you go through the process to opt-out, if you are eligible to do so.
Every year, the IRS sends out the IP PINs for the following tax season in December on a CP01A Notice, so please be on the look out for this, as we cannot file without it. If no letter is received, the IP PIN can be retrieved through an individual’s IRS account, which can be set up or signed into here. Online accounts are usually down for maintenance until mid-January.