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 have been a victim of identity theft, or if the IRS suspects your Social Security number has been compromised, you may receive a letter telling you that you have been assigned a PIN. You will need this PIN to file your federal tax return that year — without it, the IRS will reject your return.

The PIN is not something you request in advance for protection. Instead, the IRS issues it to you after detecting fraud or after you report that your identity has been stolen. Once assigned, you must use it every year going forward, even if you have not experienced recent theft.

If you have already received an IP PIN from the IRS, you will find it in the letter they sent you. If you believe you need one but have not received a letter, you can request one through the IRS's online tool or by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS assigns an IP PIN to you after identity theft is detected; you do not request one in advance for general protection.
  • Your PIN will arrive in a letter from the IRS, usually mailed to your address on file, and you must use it when filing your tax return that year.
  • If you have not received a PIN but believe you need one, you can request one through the IRS Online Authentication tool or by calling the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490.
  • You will need to verify your identity to obtain or retrieve a PIN, which typically requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status.
  • Once assigned, you will receive a new PIN each year by mail, usually in late December or early January.

How to retrieve your PIN if you have already been assigned one

If the IRS has already sent you a PIN in a letter, the fastest way to find it is to look at that letter. The PIN will be printed clearly on the document. Keep this letter in a safe place, because you will need the PIN when you file your return.

If you have lost the letter or cannot locate it, you can retrieve your PIN online through the IRS Online Authentication tool. Go to irs.gov, select "View Your IP PIN," and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the street address where you filed your most recent tax return. The tool will display your current PIN on screen.

If you cannot use the online tool or prefer to speak with someone, call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and provide your PIN over the phone.

Requesting a PIN if you have not been assigned one

If you have not received a PIN from the IRS but believe you are a victim of identity theft, you can request one. The most direct route is the IRS Online Authentication tool at irs.gov. Select "Get an IP PIN" and enter your information. The tool will ask whether you have already filed a return with the IRS this year. If you have not, and if your identity has been compromised, the system may issue you a PIN immediately.

If the online tool does not issue a PIN, or if you prefer not to use it, call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490. Explain that you believe your identity has been stolen and that you want to request an IP PIN before filing your return. The IRS will verify your identity and may issue a PIN on the spot or mail one to you within two weeks.

You can also file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, by mail if you have already been the victim of tax-related identity theft. This form documents the theft and requests a PIN. Mail it to the address listed on the form, which varies by region. Processing takes longer by mail — typically four to six weeks — so use this route only if you cannot reach the IRS by phone or online.

What documents and information you will need

To retrieve or request an IP PIN, have the following ready:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your current filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
  • The street address where you filed your most recent tax return, or your current address if you have not filed recently
  • A government-issued photo ID if you are calling the IRS and they ask to verify your identity over the phone

If you are requesting a PIN because you have already filed a fraudulent return in your name, also have ready any IRS notices or letters you received about that return. These documents help the IRS understand the scope of the theft and process your request faster.

Using your PIN when you file your tax return

When you file your federal tax return — whether by mail or electronically — you must enter your IP PIN in the designated field. If you are filing on paper, write your PIN on the line marked "IP PIN" on Form 1040 or the form you are using. If you are filing electronically through tax software or a tax professional, the software will have a field for your IP PIN; enter it there.

If you file without your PIN when you have been assigned one, the IRS will reject your return. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining that your return was rejected and instructing you to resubmit it with your PIN. This delays your refund and can create confusion with the IRS.

Your PIN changes every year. The IRS will mail you a new PIN in late December or early January for the upcoming tax year. If you do not receive it by mid-January, call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline to request a replacement.

What to do if you do not receive your PIN by tax time

If you know you have been assigned a PIN but have not received it in the mail by the time you are ready to file, first check the IRS Online Authentication tool to see if your current PIN is displayed there. If the tool shows a PIN, use that number when you file.

If the online tool does not show a PIN and you have not received a letter, call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 as soon as possible. Explain that you are ready to file but do not have your PIN. The IRS can issue a temporary PIN over the phone or mail one to you. If you are close to the tax deadline and cannot wait for mail delivery, ask the representative whether you can file using the temporary PIN provided during the call.

Do not file your return without your PIN if you have been assigned one. Filing without it will result in rejection, and you will have to resubmit. It is better to file a few days late with the correct PIN than to file on time without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my tax return without my IP PIN if I have been assigned one?

No. If the IRS has assigned you an IP PIN, you must include it on your return. The IRS will reject any return filed without the PIN. If you cannot locate your PIN, retrieve it through the IRS Online Authentication tool or by calling the IRS Identity Theft Hotline before you file.

How long does it take to get an IP PIN if I request one?

If you request a PIN through the IRS Online Authentication tool, you may receive one immediately on screen. If you call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline, a representative may issue a PIN during the call or mail one to you within two weeks. If you mail Form 14039, allow four to six weeks for processing.

What if someone else files a tax return using my Social Security number before I get my PIN?

Contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 immediately. The IRS can flag your account and may issue you a PIN right away to prevent further fraudulent filings. You will also need to file Form 14039 to document the identity theft. The IRS will work with you to resolve the fraudulent return and protect your account going forward.

Do I need an IP PIN every year, or just the year I was a victim of identity theft?

Once the IRS assigns you an IP PIN, you will receive a new one every year going forward. You must use it on every federal tax return you file, even if you have not experienced recent identity theft. The PIN is a permanent part of your account as long as the IRS considers your identity at risk.

Can I use the same IP PIN for multiple years?

No. The IRS issues a new PIN each year, usually in late December or early January. You must use the current year's PIN when you file. Using an old PIN will cause your return to be rejected. Always check your most recent IRS letter or the IRS Online Authentication tool to confirm your current PIN before filing.