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 issues to you to prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. If you have been a victim of identity theft, or if the IRS suspects your account has been compromised, they may issue you a PIN automatically. You can also request one yourself if you want extra protection.
When you have an IP PIN, you must enter it on your tax return every year. Without it, the IRS will reject your return. This is intentional — it proves you are the person filing, not a thief using your number. The PIN changes every year, so you will receive a new one annually if you keep the protection active.
The IRS does not charge for an IP PIN, and getting one does not affect your taxes or refund. It simply adds a security step to your filing process.
Key Takeaways
- You can request an IP PIN through the IRS website using an online tool, by mail, or by phone if you have already been issued one.
- The IRS sends your PIN by mail to the address on file, usually within two weeks, so you must request it well before tax season if you need it to file.
- If you were a victim of identity theft, the IRS may have already issued you a PIN automatically — check your mail or log into your IRS account to see if you have one.
- You must enter your IP PIN when you file your return, whether you file on paper or electronically, or the IRS will reject it.
How to request an IP PIN online
The fastest way to request an IP PIN is through the IRS website using the IP PIN Opt-In tool. Go to irs.gov, find the IP PIN section, and select the option to request one. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history and tax records.
If you pass the identity verification, the IRS will issue you a PIN on the spot and display it on your screen. Write it down immediately — this is the only time you will see it before it arrives in the mail. The IRS will also mail a copy to your address on file within two weeks as backup.
This tool is available year-round, but the IRS recommends requesting your PIN by late November if you plan to file early in the tax season. If you wait until January or February, the mail delay may push your PIN arrival into filing time.
Requesting an IP PIN by mail or phone
If you cannot verify your identity online, or if you prefer not to use the website, you can request an IP PIN by mail. Download Form 15227 from irs.gov, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about four weeks, so this method is slower than the online tool.
If you already have an IP PIN from a previous year and need to confirm it or request a replacement, you can call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. Have your Social Security number and tax return information ready. Wait times are long during tax season, so call early in the day or in the fall if possible.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, the IRS offers TTY services at 1-800-829-4059.
What to do if the IRS already issued you a PIN
If you were a victim of identity theft or if the IRS detected suspicious activity on your account, they may have mailed you an IP PIN without you asking for one. Check your mail carefully — the PIN arrives in a letter from the IRS, usually to the address on your most recent tax return.
If you cannot find the letter, log into your account on irs.gov using your username and password. Your current IP PIN will appear in your account dashboard if one is active. You can also call 1-800-908-4490 to confirm whether you have a PIN on file.
Do not ignore a PIN if you receive one. You will need it to file your return that year. If you lose the letter, retrieve it from your online account or call the IRS to have them mail a replacement.
Entering your IP PIN when you file
When you file your tax return, you will be asked to enter your IP PIN. If you file electronically using tax software or a tax professional, there is a specific field for it — the software will prompt you. If you file on paper, write your IP PIN in the space provided on the form, usually near the top where your name and Social Security number go.
If you file without entering your PIN, or if you enter it incorrectly, the IRS will reject your return. You will have to correct it and resubmit. This can delay your refund by weeks, so double-check the number before you submit.
If you cannot find your PIN close to filing time, call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 or log into your account online. Do not guess or leave the field blank — the return will be rejected either way.
What happens if you lose your PIN or it expires
IP PINs expire at the end of the tax year and are replaced with a new one each year. The IRS mails your new PIN in late fall, usually by November. If you do not receive it by early December, check your online account or call 1-800-908-4490 to confirm your address is correct.
If you lose the letter with your PIN before you file, you can retrieve it from your IRS online account or call the IRS to have them mail another copy. There is no charge for a replacement PIN, and the IRS can usually provide it over the phone if you verify your identity.
If you move, update your address with the IRS as soon as possible so your new PIN arrives at the right place. You can change your address on irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040.
When you might not need an IP PIN
Not every taxpayer needs an IP PIN. If you have never been a victim of identity theft and the IRS has not contacted you about suspicious activity, you can file without one. The PIN is optional for most people — it is a security tool, not a requirement.
However, if you live in a state where the IRS is currently issuing PINs to all residents due to a data breach or widespread fraud, you may be required to have one. The IRS announces these situations on their website and in letters to affected taxpayers. Check irs.gov or your mail if you are unsure.
If you are unsure whether you need a PIN, log into your IRS account or call 1-800-908-4490. They can tell you whether one is active on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my taxes without an IP PIN if I have one?
No. If an IP PIN is active on your account, you must enter it on your return or the IRS will reject it. There is no way to file without it — you cannot opt out once one is issued. If you lose it, contact the IRS to get a replacement before you file.
How long does it take to get an IP PIN in the mail?
The IRS typically mails your PIN within two weeks of your request. If you request it online, you see it immediately on your screen, but the mailed copy takes longer. If you are close to your filing deadline, use the online tool so you have the number right away.
What if someone files a return using my Social Security number before I get my PIN?
If you suspect identity theft, contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-908-4490 or file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) on irs.gov. The IRS will freeze your account and investigate. Having an IP PIN active prevents this from happening in the future.
Do I need a new IP PIN every year?
Yes. The IRS issues a new PIN each year, usually in November. You do not have to request it again — if you had one the previous year, a new one will be mailed automatically. If you want to stop using a PIN, you can opt out through your IRS account, but the IRS recommends keeping it active if you have ever been a victim of theft.
Can I use the same IP PIN for multiple years?
No. Each PIN is valid for only one tax year. When the year ends, your PIN expires and a new one is issued. You cannot reuse an old PIN, and the IRS will reject your return if you try.