Get your IRS PIN today
An IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS and helps to verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return.
In the past, you had to be a victim of identity theft to be approved or qualify for an IRS PIN. However the current IRS FAQ states that anyone who has a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and is able to verify his/her identity is eligible to enroll into the IP PIN program.
Why is an IRS IP PIN important
If you file a return closer to the deadline, typically Apr 15th, or file for an extension, which is Oct 15th, it is vital that you sign up for the IRS PIN.
Hackers and malicious actors can file a fraudulent tax return on your behalf and claim a tax refund. Proactively creating a PIN will hopefully prevent this.
Important Notes and Tips
- The IP PIN changes or is regenerated every year. Set a calendar reminder to retrieve and save your new PIN mid January each year.
- An IRS login is required to create the PIN. The process can take a few days to completely setup, as it requires physical postal mail validation and a number of possibly unexpected questions to answer. Be prepared and plan ahead. See below for the examples of the info that might be required.
- Once you have a logon, setup a phone verification as an additional security measure or use the IRS2Go Mobile App Authentication tool.
