How to Find My Identity Protection PIN

An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a six-digit code issued by the IRS. This unique number safeguards against tax-related identity theft, ensuring only the authorized taxpayer can file a federal income tax return using their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The IP PIN provides an additional layer of security, helping to prevent fraudulent returns and verifying your identity to the IRS for proper processing.

Retrieving Your IP PIN Online

The fastest and most common method for retrieving your IP PIN is through the IRS online tool, accessible via your IRS online account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.

Creating an IRS online account involves a robust identity verification process. This requires providing personal information like your Social Security number, date of birth, and current filing status. You’ll also need to verify your identity with financial account information from a prior tax year, such as your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your most recently filed return.

Identity verification often uses a third-party service like ID.me, which may require uploading photos of a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. You might also need to take a live video selfie. Once your identity is verified and you are logged into your IRS online account, navigate to your profile or the designated IP PIN section to retrieve your current year’s IP PIN.

Requesting Your IP PIN by Mail or Phone

If you are unable to retrieve your IP PIN online, you can request it by mail. This involves completing and submitting Form 15227, “Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.”

On Form 15227, you will need to provide your personal details, including your Social Security number and contact information. After the IRS receives your form, they will typically call you to verify your identity over the phone. Once your identity is confirmed, your IP PIN will be mailed to you, usually within four to six weeks.

You can also call the IRS directly. The dedicated phone number for IP PIN inquiries and reissuance is 800-908-4490. During the call, an IRS representative will conduct an identity verification process based on your tax records. If your identity is successfully verified, your IP PIN will be mailed to you within approximately 21 days.

When IP PINs Are Issued

IP PINs are issued to taxpayers in two ways. Individuals confirmed as victims of tax-related identity theft are automatically enrolled in the IP PIN program. These taxpayers receive a new IP PIN each year via mail, typically through a CP01A Notice.

Any taxpayer with a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program. This proactive measure provides an extra layer of security. Once an IP PIN is issued, whether automatically or through voluntary enrollment, it becomes mandatory for all subsequent federal income tax filings for that individual.

Applying Your IP PIN to Your Tax Return

Once you retrieve your IP PIN, it must be included when filing your federal income tax return. The IP PIN is required for both electronic and paper tax returns. If filing electronically using tax software, there will be a specific field or prompt to enter the IP PIN, often near the signature area.

For paper tax returns, enter the IP PIN in the designated box, typically near the signature line of Form 1040 or related forms like 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS. Entering an incorrect or missing IP PIN will result in the rejection of an e-filed return or significant delays in processing a paper return. Each taxpayer on a joint return who has an IP PIN must enter their own unique PIN.