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

An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number the IRS issues to you to prevent someone else from filing a tax return in your name. If you have 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 an IP PIN to file. Without it, your return will be rejected.

The IRS does not send you an IP PIN automatically unless your account has already been flagged for fraud or theft. You request one yourself through the IRS website, by phone, or by mail. The process is free and takes a few minutes to a few weeks depending on which method you use.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request an IP PIN online through the IRS website using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status, and you will receive it immediately if you verify your identity successfully.
  • If you cannot verify your identity online, you can call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 during business hours or mail Form 15227 to the address listed on the form.
  • Once you receive your IP PIN, you must enter it on your tax return in the designated field, or your return will be rejected.
  • The IRS may issue you a new IP PIN each year if your account remains flagged, or you can request one even if you have not been a victim of theft as an extra security measure.

Getting an IP PIN online through the IRS website

The fastest way to get an IP PIN is through the IRS's online tool at irs.gov. Go to the IRS website, search for "IP PIN", and look for the link that says "Get an IP PIN". You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.).

The IRS will ask you to verify your identity using information from your tax records or credit history. If verification succeeds, you will see your six-digit IP PIN on the screen immediately. Write it down or take a screenshot — you will need it when you file your return. The IRS does not email or mail the PIN to you after you view it online, so you must record it yourself.

If the online tool cannot verify your identity, it will tell you that you need to use a different method. This usually means you will have to call or mail a form instead.

Requesting an IP PIN by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready. An IRS representative will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax history or personal information.

If verification is successful, the representative will give you your six-digit IP PIN over the phone. Write it down immediately. The IRS will not mail it to you after the call. If the representative cannot verify your identity, they will tell you to use the mail method instead.

Wait times can be long, especially during tax season (January through April). Call early in the morning or late in the week to reduce your wait time.

Requesting an IP PIN by mail

If you cannot verify your identity online or by phone, you can request an IP PIN by mail using Form 15227 (Application for an IRS Individual Identification Number). Download the form from irs.gov or request a copy by calling 1-800-829-3676.

Fill out the form with your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address. Sign and date it. Mail it to the address listed on the form — the address changes depending on which state you live in, so check the form carefully.

The IRS will mail your IP PIN to you within two to four weeks. This is the slowest method, so use it only if the online or phone methods are not available to you.

What to do with your IP PIN when you file

When you file your tax return, you must enter your IP PIN in the designated field on the form. If you file electronically (using tax software or a tax preparer), the software will have a box for your IP PIN. If you file on paper, write your IP PIN on the line marked "IP PIN" on Form 1040 or the form you are using.

If you forget to enter your IP PIN, or if you enter it incorrectly, the IRS will reject your return. You will have to correct it and resubmit. If you lose your PIN before you file, you can request a new one using the same methods described above.

IP PINs issued by the IRS versus ones you request yourself

There are two types of IP PINs. The first type is issued by the IRS when it detects that your Social Security number has been used fraudulently. The IRS will mail you a notice (usually Form CP01A or CP01B) telling you that you have been assigned an IP PIN and that you must use it to file. You do not request this type — the IRS sends it to you.

The second type is one you request yourself as a precaution, even if you have not been a victim of theft. This is called a self-selected IP PIN. You can request one at any time through the online tool, by phone, or by mail using the same methods described above. Many people request a self-selected IP PIN as extra protection against identity theft.

If the IRS has already issued you an IP PIN because of suspected fraud, you cannot use a self-selected PIN instead — you must use the one the IRS sent you.

What happens if you do not have your IP PIN when you file

If the IRS has issued you an IP PIN (because of fraud detection) and you do not enter it on your return, the IRS will reject your return automatically. You will receive a notice telling you that your return was rejected and asking you to resubmit it with the correct IP PIN.

If you have lost your PIN or cannot find it, contact the IRS using the phone or online methods above to request a replacement. You can request a new PIN at any time, and the IRS will issue it to you immediately (online or by phone) or within two to four weeks (by mail).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my return without an IP PIN if the IRS issued one to me?

No. If the IRS has issued you an IP PIN because of suspected identity theft, you must enter it on your return or the IRS will reject it. There is no way around this requirement. If you have lost your PIN, contact the IRS to request a replacement before you file.

Does getting an IP PIN cost money?

No. The IRS does not charge a fee to request or receive an IP PIN. Be cautious of websites or services that claim to charge you for an IP PIN — they are not legitimate. The IRS website and phone line are always free.

How long does an IP PIN last?

An IP PIN issued by the IRS because of fraud typically lasts for one year. The IRS will mail you a new PIN each year if your account remains flagged. A self-selected PIN (one you request yourself) also lasts for one year, and you can request a new one each year or whenever you want.

What if I cannot verify my identity online or by phone?

Use the mail method with Form 15227. The IRS will verify your identity by comparing the information on the form to records in their system, and they will mail your IP PIN to you within two to four weeks. This is slower but does not require real-time identity verification.

Can my tax preparer or accountant file my return with my IP PIN?

Yes. If you use a tax preparer, give them your IP PIN and they will enter it on your return when they file it electronically. Make sure you give them the correct six-digit number — if they enter it wrong, your return will be rejected.