Few identity theft scenarios are as frustrating as having your legitimate tax return rejected because an identity thief already filed a fake one using your Social Security number (SSN). Tax identity theft can tie up your rightful refund for months, and often takes nearly two years to resolve with the IRS.
Thankfully, the IRS offers an incredibly powerful, proactive shield against this exact threat: the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).
Whether you are a confirmed victim of identity theft or simply want to lock down your tax profile before scammers can strike, getting an IP PIN is the single best way to secure your tax identity.
This guide explains exactly what an IRS Identity Protection PIN is, how it works, who can get one, and the exact steps to request or retrieve your PIN.
Quick Answer: What is an IRS IP PIN and How Do I Get One?
What is an IRS Identity Protection PIN? An IRS IP PIN is a unique, six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers. Once you enroll, the IRS will not accept any electronic or paper federal tax return filed under your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) unless it includes your active IP PIN.
How do I get an IRS IP PIN? The fastest way is to go to IRS.gov/getanippin and use the online “Get an IP PIN” tool. After validating your identity online (using the secure ID.me service), your six-digit PIN will be displayed on-screen immediately.
How an IRS IP PIN Works
Think of an IP PIN as a two-factor authentication code for your tax return.
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A Year-Round Shield: The PIN is valid for one calendar year. Every year in early January, the IRS generates a brand-new number for you.
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Instant Electronic Block: If a fraudster tries to file an electronic tax return using your SSN or ITIN without the current six-digit PIN, the IRS e-file system will instantly reject the return.
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Paper Filing Safety: If a paper return is filed without the PIN, the IRS will hold the return, delay processing, and run it through intense fraud-detection screening to verify it actually came from you.
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Sharing Restrictions: You should only share your IP PIN with the IRS and your trusted tax preparation software or professional when it’s time to file. The IRS will never call, text, email, or send social media messages asking for your PIN.
Who is Eligible for an IRS IP PIN?
Originally, the IP PIN program was only available to confirmed victims of tax identity theft. However, the IRS now allows anyone with a Social Security number or ITIN to voluntarily opt into the program.
There are two pathways into the program:
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Enrolled Automatically (Confirmed Victims): If the IRS officially resolves your tax identity theft case (such as after filing Form 14039), you are automatically placed into the program. Each year, the IRS will automatically mail you a physical letter (Notice CP01A) containing your new PIN. Confirmed victims generally cannot opt out of the program.
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Enrolled Voluntarily (Any Taxpayer): Any taxpayer who can verify their identity can opt into the IP PIN program to secure their files proactively. Spouses and dependents can also get their own PINs.
How to Get Your IRS IP PIN: 3 Ways to Apply
The registration route you use depends entirely on your ability to verify your identity.
Method 1: Apply Online (Fastest and Recommended)
This is the only method that gives you your IP PIN instantly.
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Go to the Official Tool: Visit IRS.gov/getanippin and click the “Get an IP PIN” button.
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Verify Your Identity: Sign in to your IRS Online Account using ID.me. If you do not have an ID.me account, you must create one. Have your government photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) and a smartphone ready to take a brief selfie to prove who you are.
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Opt In: Once inside your account, navigate to your “Profile” tab, scroll down to the “Identity Protection PIN” section, and follow the prompts to enroll.
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View Your PIN: Your new six-digit IP PIN will appear on-screen immediately. Print or save a copy of the page for your records.
Note: If you already opt into online continuous enrollment, you don’t need to apply again each year. Simply log back into your IRS Online Account early every January to view your brand-new PIN.
Method 2: File Form 15227 (For Low-to-Moderate Incomes)
If you cannot verify your identity online, you can submit an application via mail or fax.
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Who it’s for: Available if your adjusted gross income (AGI) on your last filed return is below $84,000 for single filers or $168,000 for married couples filing jointly.
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What to do: Download and complete IRS Form 15227 (Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number).
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The process: Send the form to the IRS via mail or fax along with photocopies of your qualifying identity documents (such as your ID, birth certificate, or passport). An IRS agent will then call you on the phone number provided on your form to validate your identity.
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The result: Once verified, you will receive your IP PIN in the mail (usually within 4 to 6 weeks).
Method 3: In-Person Appointment (The Fallback)
If you cannot access ID.me and your income is too high to qualify for Form 15227, you must verify your identity in person.
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What to do: Call the IRS scheduling line at 1-844-545-5640 or use the online Taxpayer Assistance Locator to make an appointment at your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).
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What to bring: You must bring two forms of official identification (at least one must be a government-issued photo ID) and your Social Security card or ITIN document.
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The result: After verify in person, the IRS will generate your IP PIN and mail it to you.
What to Do If You Lose Your IP PIN
Losing your PIN is stressful, but it will not prevent you from filing your taxes if you plan ahead. Remember, each IP PIN is only valid for one calendar year. If you use last year’s PIN, the IRS system will reject your return.
If you lose or never received your current IP PIN, here is how to retrieve it:
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Retrieve it online: Sign into your IRS Online Account (via ID.me). Navigate to your Profile page and check the Identity Protection PIN section. Your current 6-digit PIN is always visible there.
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Ask for a reissue by phone: If you cannot access the online portal, call the IRS Identity Theft specialized line at 1-800-908-4490 (or 267-941-1000 for international callers). After verify your identity over the phone, the IRS can mail your PIN to your address of record, which typically takes 21 days.
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Note: For minors (under age 18), you must call to request a reissued PIN by mail if it is lost.
What Not to Do
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Do not lose your PIN or use an outdated one: If you lose your current six-digit PIN or use one from a prior year, your electronic tax return will be rejected.
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Do not ignore dependent PINs: If your dependents have been assigned IP PINs (which can happen if a child was a victim of tax or SSN fraud), you must include their six-digit PINs on your return if you are claiming them as dependents. Failing to do so will trigger an automated e-file rejection.
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Do not share your IP PIN with scammers: Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with you via phone, email, or social media to demand your PIN. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls or phishing emails claiming to be the IRS or ID.me asking for your 6-digit PIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of the IP PIN program?
Taxpayers who voluntarily opted into the program through their online IRS account can choose to opt out through their profile page. However, if you were enrolled automatically because you were a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft, you cannot opt out and must use your CP01A letters or retrieve your PIN online every year.
Will getting an IP PIN delay my refund?
No. Using your correct IP PIN does not delay your tax refund. In fact, using your PIN can prevent the lengthy delays that occur if an identity thief files a fraudulent return before you do or if the IRS has to hold your paper filing for manual fraud reviews.
Do I need to give my IP PIN to my tax preparer?
Yes. If you hire a professional tax preparer, you must provide them with your IP PIN. They cannot complete the e-filing process without typing it into their software. Your tax preparer should treat this number as highly confidential.
Does my state tax return require an IP PIN?
The federal six-digit IRS IP PIN is only for your federal income tax returns. It is not required on state returns, though some states (like New York) may have their own separate ID verification programs or state-issued PIN systems if you have been a victim of state tax fraud. Check with your state’s Department of Revenue for details.
Final Takeaway
The IRS Identity Protection PIN is the ultimate defense against tax-related identity theft. By adding an encrypted layer of verification to your Social Security number, you prevent criminals from ever filing early in your name. If you haven’t yet, log into IRS.gov to obtain your PIN. If you are already enrolled, remember that your PIN changes every January, and make accessing it the first step in your annual filing process.