How to Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN

What an IRS PIN is and why you might need one

An IRS Identity Protection 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 must use a PIN to file. You can also request one yourself if you want extra protection.

The PIN works like this: when you file your return, you enter the PIN along with your other information. The IRS checks it against their records. If the number matches, your return processes normally. If someone tries to file using your Social Security number without the correct PIN, the IRS rejects that return.

The PIN is different from your regular tax filing. You do not need a PIN to file most years. You only need one if the IRS has issued one to you, or if you have chosen to request one for protection.

Key Takeaways

If the IRS has issued you a PIN, they will mail it to you — you cannot call or email to receive it, and you must use it when you file.
You can request a PIN yourself through the IRS Online Account tool at irs.gov, which requires you to verify your identity through ID.me.
If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, you can retrieve it through your IRS Online Account or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
The PIN changes every year, and the IRS mails you a new one each January if you are enrolled in the program.
If you file before your PIN arrives in the mail, your return will be rejected — do not file without it if one has been issued to you.

How to request a PIN through your IRS Online Account

The fastest way to request a PIN is through the IRS Online Account portal at irs.gov. Go to the site, select "Sign in to your account," and follow the prompts to create or log into your account. You will need to verify your identity through ID.me, which asks you to provide a photo ID and answer security questions based on your financial history.

Once you are logged in, look for the option to request an Identity Protection PIN. The system will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and current address. If the IRS approves your request, you can view your PIN immediately on the screen and also print or save it. Write it down somewhere safe — you will need it when you file your return.

This process usually takes a few minutes. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. However, if you cannot verify your identity through ID.me, you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Retrieving a PIN the IRS has already issued to you

If the IRS has mailed you a PIN because they detected identity theft or fraud on your account, the PIN will arrive in a letter addressed to you at your mailing address on file. The letter will include your six-digit PIN and instructions for using it. Keep this letter in a safe place.

If you have lost the letter or cannot find your PIN, you can retrieve it through your IRS Online Account using the same process described above. Log in, navigate to the Identity Protection PIN section, and your current PIN will be displayed. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to a representative who can verify your identity and provide your PIN over the phone.

Do not file your return without your PIN if one has been issued to you. The IRS will reject any return filed without the correct PIN, and you will have to file again once you have it. This can delay your refund by several weeks.

What to do if you never received your PIN in the mail

If the IRS issued you a PIN but the letter did not arrive, check your mail for two to three weeks from the date the IRS says they sent it. The IRS typically mails PINs in early January for the current tax year, but timing can vary.

If the letter does not arrive after three weeks, log into your IRS Online Account and retrieve your PIN there. This is the fastest option. If you cannot access your online account, call 1-800-829-1040 and ask the representative to confirm that a PIN was issued to you and to provide the number.

If the IRS has not issued you a PIN at all, but you want one for protection, you can request one through your online account as described in the section above. There is no cost, and you can set one up at any time during the year.

Using your PIN when you file your tax return

When you file your return — whether you file on paper or electronically — you will need to enter your PIN in the space provided. If you are using tax software, there is usually a field labeled "Identity Protection PIN" or "IP PIN." If you are filing on paper, write your PIN on the line indicated on the form.

The exact location of the PIN field depends on which form you are filing and which method you are using. If you are unsure where to enter it, check the instructions that came with your PIN letter, or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

If you enter the wrong PIN, your return will be rejected. The IRS will send you a notice explaining that the PIN did not match. You will then need to file again with the correct PIN. This is why it is important to write down your PIN and keep it somewhere you can find it quickly.

What happens if your PIN expires or changes

If you are enrolled in the IRS Identity Protection PIN program, the IRS issues you a new PIN every year. The new PIN is mailed to you in January, usually before tax season begins. The old PIN stops working on December 31 of the previous year.

When you receive your new PIN in the mail, update your records and discard the old letter. If you file your return after December 31 but before you receive the new PIN, use your current PIN — the one that was valid when you filed. Do not wait for the new one to arrive.

If you lose track of which PIN is current, log into your IRS Online Account. The account always shows your active PIN for the current tax year. You can also call 1-800-829-1040 to confirm which PIN you should be using.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If the IRS has issued you a PIN, you must enter it when you file. Returns filed without the correct PIN will be rejected, and you will have to file again. This delay can push back your refund by several weeks.

What if I request a PIN but then change my mind?

You can stop using the PIN program at any time. Log into your IRS Online Account and look for the option to opt out of the Identity Protection PIN program. Once you opt out, you will not receive a new PIN the following year, and you will not need to enter one when you file.

Do I have to pay to get an IRS PIN?

No. Requesting and using an IRS Identity Protection PIN is free. The IRS does not charge for this service. Be cautious of websites or services that claim to charge you to obtain a PIN — that is a sign of fraud.

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

If a fraudulent return is filed before yours, the IRS will reject your legitimate return when you try to file. Contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 and explain that your identity has been stolen. The IRS has a process for resolving these cases, though it can take time. You may also want to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

Can I use the same PIN for multiple years?

No. The IRS issues a new PIN every year, and the old PIN expires on December 31. You must use the current year's PIN when you file. The IRS mails the new PIN in January, so you should receive it before tax season begins.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.