IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS that helps prevent someone from filing a fraudulent federal income tax return using a taxpayer's Social Security number or ITIN.
If the IRS has assigned you an IP PIN, you must use the current one on applicable federal returns filed during that calendar year. A return filed without it can be rejected or delayed.
Key details
- Who can enroll
- Anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity may enroll.
- It changes every year
- The IRS generates a new IP PIN each year.
- Using it
- A taxpayer who has been assigned an IP PIN must use the current PIN on applicable federal returns filed during that calendar year.
- Keep it private
- Taxpayers should keep the number secure and share it only when necessary with the IRS and their trusted tax professional.
- Fastest way to get it
- The fastest way to enroll and retrieve the current IP PIN is through the taxpayer's IRS Online Account.
- Enrollment options
- The IRS now offers continuous enrollment or one-time enrollment for taxpayers voluntarily joining the program.
Opting out
- Taxpayers who voluntarily joined the IP PIN program and have not been victims of tax-related identity theft may be eligible to opt out.
- They can check their eligibility and request the opt-out through the IP PIN section of their IRS Online Account profile.
- If they cannot log into their Online Account, they can contact the IRS at 800-908-4490.
- Taxpayers who selected one-time enrollment are automatically opted out at the end of that calendar year.
- After selecting an opt-out, the IRS says to allow up to 72 hours before electronically filing without an IP PIN or opting back into the program.
- Taxpayers who were enrolled because of tax-related identity theft may not be eligible to opt out.
What to save or bring to your appointment
- Your IRS Identity Protection PIN letter, or the current IP PIN from your IRS Online Account
- IP PINs issued for your spouse or any dependent
- Any IRS notice relating to identity theft or a rejected return
Download the document checklist (PDF) →
Official IRS information
This page is general educational information and is not tax advice for your particular situation. These rules carry additional eligibility and reporting requirements. See the official IRS information linked above, or contact Borinken Tax to talk through your circumstances.
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