How to Find Your IRS PIN and What to Do If You've Lost It

Your IRS PIN is a six-digit number the IRS sends you by mail, and you retrieve it through your IRS online account or by calling the IRS directly

The IRS PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a security code tied to your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The IRS uses it to verify your identity when you file taxes online or access your account on IRS.gov. If you've never received one, the IRS will generate one when you first use certain online services. If you've lost track of yours, you have two main ways to find it without starting over.

You do not need to request a new PIN if you already have one — you just need to locate the one you were sent. The process takes minutes if you go through your online account, or about 15 minutes if you call.

Key Takeaways

Your IRS PIN arrives by mail when you first set up an online IRS account or when the IRS generates one for you automatically.
The fastest way to find your PIN is to log into your IRS account at IRS.gov using your Social Security number and password.
If you cannot access your online account, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to a representative who will verify your identity and read your PIN to you.
The IRS also sends your PIN by mail if you request a replacement, though this takes one to two weeks.
If someone else has filed taxes using your Social Security number, you will need to contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline instead of using the standard PIN retrieval process.

Retrieving Your PIN Through Your IRS Online Account

Log into your IRS account at IRS.gov using your Social Security number (or ITIN), date of birth, and filing status. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Security" or "Account Settings" — the exact name varies slightly depending on when your account was created. Your six-digit PIN will be displayed there.

This method works only if you remember your IRS.gov password. If you have forgotten it, you can reset it on the login page by selecting "Forgot User ID or Password." The IRS will walk you through identity verification using information from your tax return or credit file, and you will be able to create a new password and then view your PIN.

This is the fastest option because it takes about five minutes and requires no phone call. Write your PIN down somewhere secure once you find it, or take a screenshot if you prefer to keep it digital.

Calling the IRS to Retrieve Your PIN by Phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Tell the representative that you need to retrieve your IRS PIN. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and information from your most recent tax return.

The verification process usually takes five to ten minutes. Once the IRS confirms who you are, the representative will read your six-digit PIN to you over the phone. Write it down immediately, as they will not repeat it multiple times. The call itself typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the IRS is that day.

Call volume is highest in the morning and during tax season (January through April), so you may wait on hold. Calling in the afternoon or outside tax season generally means shorter wait times.

Requesting a Replacement PIN by Mail

If you cannot access your online account and prefer not to call, you can request that the IRS mail you a new PIN. Fill out Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) or call 1-800-829-1040 and ask the representative to mail a replacement PIN to your address on file.

The IRS will send the PIN by regular mail, which takes one to two weeks. This option is slower than the other two but requires no password or phone call. The PIN will arrive in a sealed envelope addressed to you at the address the IRS has in their system.

Make sure the address on file with the IRS is current before requesting a replacement by mail. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address with the IRS, the PIN may be sent to an old address. You can update your address on IRS.gov before requesting the replacement.

What to Do If You Suspect Identity Theft

If you cannot find your PIN because someone else filed a tax return using your Social Security number, do not use the standard PIN retrieval methods. Instead, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 or visit the IRS Identity Theft page on IRS.gov.

The IRS will place a flag on your account and may issue you a special Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) instead of your regular PIN. This IP PIN is used specifically to prevent someone else from filing in your name. The process involves additional identity verification and may take longer than retrieving a regular PIN, but it protects your account from future fraud.

If you suspect identity theft, act quickly. The sooner you contact the IRS, the sooner they can secure your account and prevent fraudulent filings.

Keeping Your PIN Secure Once You Have It

Once you retrieve your PIN, treat it like a password. Do not share it with anyone, including IRS employees (the IRS will never ask for your PIN over the phone or by email). Store it in a secure location, such as a password manager or a locked drawer at home.

If you believe your PIN has been compromised or shared with someone who should not have it, call the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 and request a new one. The IRS can issue a replacement PIN and invalidate the old one within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never received my PIN in the mail?

The IRS only mails a PIN if you requested one or if you set up certain online services. If you have never received one, you can generate one through your IRS online account or call 1-800-829-1040 to have one created and mailed to you. Check your spam folder first in case the notification email went there.

Can I use my PIN to file my taxes?

Your PIN is not required to file taxes. It is used to verify your identity when you access your IRS account online or when you use certain IRS services. You can file your taxes without it, though having it on hand makes the process faster if you are filing electronically.

How long does it take to get a PIN by mail?

The IRS typically mails a replacement PIN within one to two weeks. If you need your PIN sooner, retrieving it through your online account or calling 1-800-829-1040 are faster options that take only minutes.

What if I forgot my IRS.gov password and cannot reset it?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain that you cannot access your account. The representative can verify your identity and either help you reset your password or read your PIN to you directly over the phone.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.