Your IRS PIN is a self-selected number you create to protect your tax account

Your IRS PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a five-digit code you choose yourself to add a layer of security to your tax account. The IRS does not assign it to you — you create it. If you set one up, you'll need it to file electronically, access your account online, or authorize someone else to represent you to the IRS.

If you've never created a PIN, the IRS does not have one on file for you. If you did create one and forgot it, you can reset it through your IRS account or by phone. The process depends on whether you can access your online account and whether you've already filed this year.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IRS PIN is a five-digit number you create yourself, not something the IRS assigns to you.
  • You can reset your PIN through your IRS online account at IRS.gov if you can log in with your username and password.
  • If you cannot access your online account, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to reset your PIN by phone.
  • If you filed a return this year, the IRS may have issued you a PIN automatically to prevent identity theft — check your tax return documents or IRS mail.

Resetting your PIN through your IRS online account

If you have an IRS online account and can log in, resetting your PIN takes a few minutes. Go to IRS.gov, sign in with your username and password, and look for the option to manage your PIN or security settings. The exact location varies slightly depending on which login method you used (IRS username, Social Security number, or ID.me), but it is always in the account settings or security section.

Once you find the PIN management area, you'll be asked to create a new five-digit number. Write it down somewhere safe — not in your email or a cloud storage folder where a breach could expose it. The new PIN takes effect immediately and you can use it right away for electronic filing or to authorize a representative.

Resetting your PIN by phone

If you cannot log into your IRS account, you can call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. 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 return or other personal information.

Once verified, they can reset your PIN over the phone and give you a new one immediately. You can also ask them to set up a PIN for the first time if you never created one. The call may take 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the line is, and wait times are longest during tax season (January through April).

Finding a PIN the IRS issued to you for identity theft protection

If you did not create a PIN yourself, the IRS may have issued one to you automatically. This happens when the IRS detects potential identity theft on your account or as part of their broader identity protection program. If this is the case, the IRS will mail you a letter with your assigned PIN.

Check your mail for IRS correspondence, especially letters labeled as identity protection notices or security alerts. The PIN will be printed in the letter. If you cannot find the letter, call 1-800-829-1040 and tell the representative that you received an IRS-issued PIN in the mail. They can look it up in your account and read it to you over the phone.

What to do if you never set up a PIN and do not have one

You do not need an IRS PIN to file your tax return. Many people file every year without one. A PIN is optional and mainly useful if you want extra security on your account or if you're authorizing a tax professional to represent you.

If you want to create one now, you can set it up through your IRS online account or by calling 1-800-829-1040. If you do not need one, you can simply file your return without it. The IRS will not require you to have a PIN unless you've been a victim of identity theft or the IRS has flagged your account for security reasons.

Using your PIN when filing or authorizing a representative

When you file electronically, your tax software will ask for your PIN if you have one. Enter the five-digit number exactly as you created it. If you file through a tax professional or CPA, you'll need to give them your PIN so they can include it in your return and prove to the IRS that you authorized them to file on your behalf.

If you're authorizing someone to represent you to the IRS (for example, to discuss an audit or payment plan), you'll also need your PIN. The representative will use it to prove they have your permission. Keep your PIN private — do not share it with anyone except a tax professional you trust, and only when you're actively working with them on your return or account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IRS PIN the same as my Social Security number?

No. Your PIN is a separate five-digit number you create yourself. Your Social Security number is different and should never be used as your PIN. The IRS asks for both pieces of information when verifying your identity.

What if I forgot my PIN and cannot access my online account?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready. The representative will verify your identity and reset your PIN for you over the phone.

Can I use the same PIN every year?

Yes. Once you create a PIN, it stays active on your account until you change it. You can use the same PIN for multiple years and multiple tax returns unless you reset it yourself or the IRS resets it due to a security issue.

Do I need a PIN if I file my taxes on paper?

No. A PIN is only required for electronic filing. If you mail a paper return to the IRS, you do not need a PIN. However, if you file electronically, your tax software will ask for it.

What if the IRS issued me a PIN but I lost the letter?

Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain that you received an IRS-issued PIN in the mail but cannot find the letter. The representative can look up your PIN in the system and read it to you. Write it down in a safe place this time.