When Do IP PINs Get Sent Out and What to Do If There’s a Delay?
Learn when the IRS sends out IP PINs, how they are delivered, what to do if yours is delayed, and the steps to request a replacement if needed.
Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IP PINs) help prevent tax-related identity theft by ensuring only the rightful taxpayer can file a return using their Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Without an IP PIN, fraudulent returns could be processed in your name, leading to complications with refunds and tax filings.
If you’re expecting an IP PIN but haven’t received it, understanding the distribution schedule and steps to take in case of delays is important.
Annual Distribution Schedule
The IRS issues IP PINs annually, with most sent in early January to align with tax season. Taxpayers enrolled in the program or required to use an IP PIN due to past identity theft receive their new PIN automatically.
For those receiving their IP PIN by mail, the IRS begins sending CP01A notices—the official document containing the PIN—during the first few weeks of the year. These notices are sent in batches, so delivery dates vary. The mailing process can take several weeks, depending on postal service efficiency.
Taxpayers who retrieve their IP PIN electronically through the IRS’s online Get an IP PIN tool can access it as soon as it becomes available, typically in early January.
How Delivery Methods Work
Delivery depends on how a taxpayer is enrolled. Those receiving their PIN by mail will get a CP01A notice containing their six-digit number. Since these notices are sent via the U.S. Postal Service, delivery times vary based on location and mail volume.
For digital access, the IRS offers the Get an IP PIN tool, which allows taxpayers to retrieve their updated PIN electronically. To use this service, individuals must verify their identity through the IRS’s Secure Access authentication system, which requires Social Security Number, financial account information, and a mobile phone number. If authentication is successful, the new PIN is displayed immediately.
Delays in Receiving
Several factors can delay an IP PIN, including IRS processing backlogs, address mismatches, and postal disruptions. If a taxpayer recently moved and did not update their address with the IRS, their CP01A notice may be sent to their previous residence. The IRS uses the most recent address on file, typically from the last tax return submitted, unless the taxpayer has filed Form 8822 to update their records. If the notice is undeliverable, it may be returned rather than forwarded.
Mailing delays can also occur due to high-volume periods at the Postal Service. Early in the year, tax-related correspondence increases mail traffic, which can slow delivery. Weather conditions, staffing shortages, or logistical disruptions may also contribute to delays. While most taxpayers receive their IP PIN within a few weeks, some may wait longer.
Technical issues within IRS systems can also cause delays. If a taxpayer’s account has discrepancies, such as mismatched Social Security details or flagged identity verification concerns, their IP PIN may not be generated as scheduled. In such cases, the IRS may require additional verification before issuing the PIN.
Replacement Process
Losing an IP PIN or not receiving it can create complications when filing a tax return. Since the IRS does not allow taxpayers to use the previous year’s PIN, obtaining a replacement is necessary. The fastest way to retrieve a lost or missing IP PIN is through the IRS’s online Get an IP PIN tool, which requires identity verification before displaying the current year’s PIN.
If online retrieval is not an option, taxpayers can request a replacement by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. This method requires additional identity verification, which may include answering security questions or confirming details from prior tax filings. However, this process can be time-consuming, especially during peak tax season when call volumes are high. If a taxpayer cannot verify their identity remotely, they may need to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center in person, which requires scheduling an appointment in advance.
Verifying Your Account Details
Ensuring the IRS has accurate information on file can help prevent delays. Taxpayers should periodically review their account details to confirm their mailing address, Social Security Number, and other identifying information are correct. Discrepancies in IRS records can lead to processing errors, which may result in an IP PIN not being issued or sent to the wrong location.
One way to verify account details is by accessing the IRS’s online account portal. This tool allows taxpayers to check personal information, view tax transcripts, and confirm whether an IP PIN has been generated. If any inconsistencies are found, updating records promptly can help avoid complications. Taxpayers who need to change their address should file Form 8822 to ensure the IRS has the correct location for future correspondence. Those who have experienced identity theft should also confirm that their fraud alerts and security settings are properly configured to avoid unnecessary delays.