What an IRS Identity Protection PIN is and why you might need one

An IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number the IRS assigns to you to prevent someone else from filing a tax return in your name. If you've been a victim of identity theft, or if the IRS suspects your Social Security number has been compromised, you may receive a notice telling you that you need one to file. You can also request one yourself if you're concerned about your tax account security.

The PIN works like a password. When you file your return, you enter it along with your Social Security number. Without the correct PIN, someone trying to use your identity cannot file a fraudulent return in your name. The IRS issues a new PIN each year, and you'll need the current year's PIN to file that year's return.

If the IRS has already assigned you a PIN because of identity theft, they will send it to you by mail at the address on file. If you want to request one proactively, you have two main routes: through the IRS website or by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get an IP PIN through IRS.gov using your Social Security number and filing status, or by calling the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
  • The IRS mails IP PINs to your address on file, so make sure your mailing address is current before you request one.
  • If you've already received an IP PIN notice from the IRS, do not request another one — use the PIN they sent you.
  • You must enter your IP PIN when filing your tax return if one has been assigned to you; filing without it will delay processing.

Getting an IP PIN through IRS.gov

The fastest way to request an IP PIN is through the IRS website. Go to IRS.gov and search for "IP PIN" to find the IP PIN retrieval tool. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid mailing address. The tool will verify your identity using information from your tax records.

If the verification is successful, the IRS will display your PIN on screen immediately, and you can write it down or take a screenshot. If verification fails, the tool will tell you that you cannot retrieve your PIN online and will direct you to call instead. Keep your PIN in a safe place — you'll need it when you file your return.

This online method works only if you have filed a federal tax return in at least one of the past three years. If you haven't filed recently, you'll need to use the phone method instead.

Getting an IP PIN by phone

Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax history or other personal information.

Once verified, the representative will provide your IP PIN over the phone. Write it down immediately and store it safely. The IRS will also mail a confirmation letter to your address on file, which will include your PIN again.

Wait times can be long, especially during tax season (January through April). If you reach a busy signal, try calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You can also call outside of tax season if your situation allows.

What to do if you received an IP PIN notice from the IRS

If the IRS mailed you a notice saying they've assigned you an IP PIN, that means they detected suspicious activity on your account or you reported identity theft to them. The notice will include your PIN and instructions for filing. Do not request a new PIN — use the one they sent you.

Read the notice carefully. It will explain why the PIN was assigned and what you need to do next. Keep the notice in a safe place because you'll need to reference the PIN when you file. If you lose the notice, you can retrieve your PIN using the methods above.

If you did not request the PIN and did not report identity theft, contact the IRS right away at 1-800-908-4490 to report the suspicious activity. The IRS can help you secure your account further.

Entering your IP PIN when you file

When you file your tax return — whether by paper or electronically — you must include your IP PIN. If you file electronically, your tax software will have a field for the IP PIN. Enter it exactly as the IRS provided it, with no dashes or spaces.

If you file on paper, write your IP PIN in the space marked for it on your Form 1040 or other return form. The IRS instructions will show you where. If you file without entering your PIN when one has been assigned to you, the IRS will reject your return, and processing will be delayed.

If you cannot find your PIN before you file, retrieve it using the methods above before submitting your return. Do not guess or leave the field blank.

What happens if you forget or lose your IP PIN

If you've misplaced your IP PIN, you can retrieve it again using IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-908-4490. The process is the same as getting it the first time. The IRS will issue you the same PIN for the tax year, so you don't need a new one.

If you realize you've lost your PIN after you've already filed your return without it, contact the IRS as soon as possible. Explain that you filed without your assigned PIN. The IRS may ask you to file an amended return or may process your return manually, but this will delay your refund or the processing of your return.

Keeping your IP PIN secure

Treat your IP PIN like a password. Do not share it with anyone except a tax professional you hire to file your return on your behalf. The IRS will never ask you for your IP PIN by email, phone, or text message. If someone contacts you asking for it, that is a scam.

Store your PIN in a secure location — a locked drawer, a password manager, or a safe. Write it down separately from your Social Security number. Each year you'll receive a new PIN, so update your records when the IRS sends you the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IP PIN if I haven't been a victim of identity theft?

No, you don't need one unless the IRS has assigned one to you or you're concerned about your account security. If you want one for extra protection, you can request it through IRS.gov or by phone. It's optional unless the IRS has notified you that one is required.

What if the IRS website says I can't retrieve my PIN online?

This usually means your identity couldn't be verified through the online tool. Call 1-800-908-4490 instead. The phone representative can verify your identity using different questions and provide your PIN. You may also need to provide additional documentation by mail.

Can my tax preparer file my return if I don't have my IP PIN?

No. If an IP PIN has been assigned to you, your tax preparer must have it to file your return electronically. If you can't locate it, retrieve it before your preparer files. If you've already given your preparer your return without the PIN, the IRS will reject it.

Will I get a new IP PIN every year?

Yes. The IRS issues a new IP PIN each year if one has been assigned to you. You'll receive it by mail before tax season. If you requested one yourself, you'll need to request a new one each year or check IRS.gov to see if a new one has been issued.

What if someone filed a tax return using my Social Security number before I got my IP PIN?

Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 immediately. Report the fraudulent return and ask about next steps. The IRS can help you resolve the identity theft and may assign you an IP PIN to prevent future fraud. You may also need to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the IRS.