What an IRS PIN is and why you might need one

An IRS Identity Protection 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, the IRS will issue you a PIN automatically. If you haven't been targeted but want extra protection, you can request one through the IRS website or by mail.

The PIN works like this: when you file your return, you enter it in a specific box on your tax form. The IRS then checks that the PIN matches their records before accepting your return. Without the correct PIN, a fraudster cannot file a return using your Social Security number, even if they have other personal information about you.

You only need a PIN if the IRS has already issued one to you, or if you're concerned about identity theft and want to set one up in advance. If you don't have a PIN and file normally, your return will still be accepted — the PIN is an optional extra layer of security.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS automatically sends you a PIN by mail if your Social Security number has been used fraudulently, and you must use it to file that year's return.
  • You can request a PIN yourself through the IRS website at irs.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status, without needing to prove identity theft.
  • If you cannot access the online tool, you can request a PIN by mailing Form 15227 to the address listed in the form instructions.
  • The IRS sends PINs by mail, not by email or phone, so allow two to four weeks for delivery after your request.
  • Once you receive a PIN, you must enter it every year you file, and the IRS will issue you a new one annually.

Getting a PIN online through the IRS website

The fastest way to get a PIN is through the IRS's online tool at irs.gov/identity-protection-pin. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status from your most recent tax return, and a valid mailing address. The tool takes about five minutes to complete.

When you submit the form, the IRS verifies your identity using information from your tax records and credit bureaus. If verification succeeds, the IRS will display a temporary PIN on screen that you can write down or screenshot. This temporary PIN is valid for 120 days and allows you to file your return immediately if you need to. Your permanent PIN will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.

If the online verification fails, the tool will tell you that you cannot get a PIN this way and will direct you to use Form 15227 instead. This usually happens if your information does not match IRS records closely enough, or if you have a recent address change that hasn't updated yet.

Requesting a PIN by mail using Form 15227

If you cannot use the online tool, you can request a PIN by mailing Form 15227 (Application for an IRS Identity Protection PIN) to the IRS. You can download the form from irs.gov or request a copy by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Fill out the form with your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. Sign and date it, then mail it to the address shown in the form instructions — the address changes depending on which state you live in. The IRS will process your request and mail your PIN to you within four to six weeks.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you do not receive your PIN within six weeks, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to check the status of your request.

What to do if the IRS already sent you a PIN

If you were a victim of identity theft, the IRS will mail you a PIN automatically without you asking for one. The letter will explain that your Social Security number was used to file a fraudulent return, and it will include your assigned PIN.

You must use this PIN to file your legitimate return that year. If you file without it, the IRS will reject your return because the fraudulent return already used your Social Security number. Keep the letter with your PIN in a safe place — you will need to reference it when you file.

If you lose the letter or cannot find your PIN, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. The IRS can look up your PIN and read it to you over the phone.

Using your PIN when you file your tax return

When you file your return, you will see a box labeled "Identity Protection PIN" on the form. Enter your six-digit PIN in that box. If you are filing electronically through tax software or a tax professional, the software will prompt you to enter it. If you are filing by mail, write it clearly on the paper form.

Do not include your PIN in any correspondence with the IRS other than your tax return itself. The IRS will never ask you for your PIN by email, phone, or mail — they already have it in their system.

Your PIN changes every year. After you file your return, the IRS will mail you a new PIN for the following tax year. You do not need to request a new one; it arrives automatically.

If you did not receive your PIN in the mail

If you requested a PIN and did not receive it within the timeframe given (two to four weeks for online requests, four to six weeks for mail requests), contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the date you submitted your request ready.

The IRS can confirm whether your request was processed and can remail your PIN if it was lost. If your request was never received, the IRS can resubmit it for you. Do not file your return without your PIN if one was issued to you — the IRS will reject it.

If you need your PIN urgently and cannot wait for mail delivery, ask the IRS representative if they can provide it over the phone during your call. Some representatives can read your PIN to you immediately if your identity verifies.

Protecting your PIN once you have it

Treat your PIN like you would treat a password. Do not share it with anyone except a tax professional you hire to file your return on your behalf. Do not write it on documents you leave lying around, and do not email it to anyone.

Store the letter from the IRS containing your PIN in a secure location — a locked drawer, safe, or filing cabinet. If you use tax software to file, enter your PIN only when the software prompts you for it, and do not save it in the software for future use.

If you suspect someone has seen your PIN, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PIN if I have never been a victim of identity theft?

No, but you can request one if you want extra protection. The PIN is optional unless the IRS has already issued one to you because of fraud. If you choose to get one, you must use it every year you file.

Can I get a PIN over the phone without going online or mailing a form?

No. The IRS only issues PINs through the online tool at irs.gov or by mail using Form 15227. You cannot request one by calling the IRS, though you can call to check the status of a request you have already submitted or to retrieve a PIN you have already received.

What happens if I file my return but forget to enter my PIN?

If the IRS issued you a PIN, your return will be rejected because the PIN is missing. You will need to file an amended return and include the PIN. Contact the IRS or your tax professional to correct this before the filing deadline.

Will getting a PIN affect my credit score or tax refund?

No. Requesting a PIN does not affect your credit, your tax liability, or the amount of your refund. It is purely a security measure.

How long does my PIN stay valid?

Your PIN is valid for one tax year only. The IRS automatically issues you a new PIN each year, which arrives by mail before tax season. You do not need to request a new one.