Do You Get a New IP PIN Every Year? Here’s What to Know
Learn about the annual renewal of your IP PIN, how to request it, and steps to take if it's lost to ensure smooth tax filing.
Taxpayers seeking to protect their identity during tax filing may use the IRS’s Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). This six-digit number helps prevent tax-related identity theft, ensuring only authorized individuals can file returns using your Social Security number.
Understanding the IP PIN system and its annual renewal process is crucial for maintaining this safeguard. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining and managing your IP PIN effectively.
Annual Renewal Requirements
The IP PIN is renewed annually, and the IRS issues a new number to eligible taxpayers, typically in December or early January. This process is automatic for those previously assigned an IP PIN, but it’s important to confirm receipt of the new number to avoid filing complications.
The IRS sends the new IP PIN via mail through Notice CP01A to the taxpayer’s last known address. Ensuring your address is updated with the IRS is critical to receiving this notice on time. If you’ve recently moved, filing Form 8822, Change of Address, can help prevent delays. The IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and using an expired one can result in processing delays or rejection of your tax return.
Taxpayers who voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program follow the same renewal process. Those assigned an IP PIN due to identity theft may need to verify their identity through the IRS’s online portal to maintain the system’s security.
How To Request Your IP PIN
Taxpayers can use the IRS’s online Get An IP PIN tool to request their IP PIN. This service requires an IRS account, with users verifying their identity by providing personal information such as their Social Security number, filing status, and address from their most recent tax return.
Once verified, the taxpayer can immediately request their IP PIN. For those unable to use the online tool, Form 15227 is available for requesting an IP PIN. This form is specifically designed for taxpayers who cannot verify their identity online.
Steps If Your IP PIN Is Lost
If you lose your IP PIN, the IRS has a recovery process. Start by accessing your IRS account online, where you can retrieve the IP PIN if you’ve previously registered. This secure method is often the quickest option.
If online access isn’t possible, you can call the IRS’s identity protection helpline to request a reissue. This process may involve additional identity verification steps. If neither option works, the IRS can mail a replacement IP PIN to the address on file. Ensuring your address is current with the IRS is essential to avoid delays. Mailed replacements typically arrive within 21 days.
Potential Filing Issues
Filing with an IP PIN can be challenging if errors occur. Entering an incorrect IP PIN often leads to the rejection of your tax return. This can happen if you mistakenly use an expired IP PIN or transpose digits. Double-checking the accuracy of your IP PIN before submission is essential.
IP PINs are also tied to various tax codes and regulations, which can complicate filing further. For instance, penalties under IRC Section 6662 for underpayment due to negligence could arise if an incorrect IP PIN results in misreported tax liabilities. Tax preparers should ensure the IP PIN matches the taxpayer’s records to avoid such issues. Additionally, IRS guidance, such as Notice 2017-12, provides instructions on using electronic signatures, which interact with IP PINs during the filing process.