FAQ About an IP PIN

FAQ About an IP PIN

Q1: What's an IP PIN?

A1: The IRS IP PIN is a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. A new IP PIN will be generated each year.

If IRS assigns you an IP PIN, you MUST use it to confirm your identity on any return filed during the current calendar year. This includes current-year returns as well as any delinquent unfiled tax returns.

An IP PIN is used only on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS.

Q2: Who is eligible for an IRS IP PIN?

A2: Anyone with a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who can verify his/her identity is eligible to enroll in the IP PIN program.

Q3: What if I misuse an IP PIN on my tax return?

A3: The IP PIN acts as an authentication number to validate the correct owner of the Social Security number(s) or ITIN(s) listed on your tax return.

E-file Return:

If an IP PIN isn't entered correctly, IRS will reject the return, and you'll need to enter the correct IP PIN to be able to e-file it again.

Paper Return:

If you have an IP PIN, you are the primary and/or secondary taxpayer, and you fail to enter your IP PIN correctly on the return; your return will take longer to process while the IRS validates the information.

Q4: I lost my IP PIN or didn't receive a new one in the mail. How do I get another one?

A4: If IRS issued you an IP PIN and you lost it, or you didn't receive a new one in the mail, you'll need to obtain your IP PIN before you can e-file your return.

You may use IRS' Get an IP PIN online tool to retrieve your current IP PIN. If you don't already have an account on IRS.gov, you will be asked to register for an account and validate your identity.
If you previously created an account, access Get an IP PIN and login into your account. Due to IRS’ increased account security, you may be required to verify your identity again.

If you're unable to retrieve your IP PIN online:

You may call IRS at 800-908-4490 for specialized assistance, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. your local time (Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time), to have your IP PIN reissued to you. An assistor will verify your identity and mail your IP PIN to your address of record within 21 days.

Q5: I'm a victim of identity theft. Can I get an IP PIN?

A5: You'll get an IP PIN if you meet one of the following criteria:

You receive an IP PIN last year, or
You received a CP01A notice, or
You received an IRS letter or notice inviting you to opt-in to get an IP PIN

Q6: We're married and filing a joint return. How do we use/enter the IP PIN if 'one' or 'both' have one?

A6: Each taxpayer with an IP PIN must enter it on their tax return.

Q7: My e-file return was rejected, and the reject code said I needed an IP PIN. What do I do?

A7: In this situation, at least one SSN or ITIN on your return has an IP PIN requirement, and you'll need to include the IP PIN on your tax return.

If you, your spouse (if married filing jointly), or your dependent had an IP PIN assigned; it needs to be included on your return.
If you don't know the IP PIN necessary to file, check the return reject code to see whether the IP PIN requirement belongs to you, your spouse, or your dependent (as applicable). You'll need to retrieve that IP PIN before resubmitting your e-file return.

Q8: I reported to IRS that I was the victim of identity theft but never received an IP PIN. Why didn't I receive one?

A8: Your identity theft case may not have been resolved before the IRS’ issuance of new IP PINs in early January, or you moved before the end of the year and didn't notify the IRS.

If IRS assigns you an IP PIN, you'll need to Retrieve Your IP PIN to 'e-file' your tax return this year. You'll know IRS assigned you an IP PIN if your e-filed return is rejected because it was missing an IP PIN.

Q9: Where is the IP PIN on my CP01A Notice?

A9: It's located on page one of the CP01A notice at the top of the first column.

Q10: Where do I enter my tax return's IP PIN(s)? (updated September 21, 2022)

A10: This is determined by the method you use to file, e-file or paper.

E-filed Return:

Your tax software or practitioner will tell you where to enter the IP PIN. If you can't find where to enter your IP PIN, search within your software for Identity Protection PIN or IP PIN or contact the software provider's help desk.
Each taxpayer claimed on a tax return who receives an IP PIN must have their IP PIN(s) entered on the tax return. This includes the IP PIN of any dependent(s) included in the tax return.
- If you claim a dependent who receives an IP PIN, you must enter it on the 'Form 1040 series' as well as 'Form 2441' and 'Schedule Earned Income Tax Credit.' For more information, please see Question 17 below.

Paper Return:

Enter your IP PIN(s) as applicable in the boxes marked "Identity Protection PIN" in the signature area of the Form 1040 tax return.
Each taxpayer who has an IP PIN must enter it on their tax return
- If married and filing a joint return, see Question 6 above.
- When filing a paper tax return, you don't need to enter an IP PIN for your dependent(s).

Q11: Do I have to use the IP PIN I received this year if filing prior year returns this year?

A11: Yes. You must use this IP PIN to confirm your identity on your current tax return and any prior year returns filed during the calendar year.

Q12: Why did I receive an IP PIN?

A12: Our records show you were previously the victim of identity theft, or the IRS identified you as a possible victim of tax-related identity theft. IRS uses this IP PIN to authenticate your identity when you file.

Q13: I received an IP PIN for a deceased person. What do I do with it?

A13: If filing a return for the decedent, enter the IP PIN as appropriate.

Q14: Do I have to keep this IP PIN and use it again next year?

A14: No. A new IP PIN will be generated each year.

Q15: When does the IRS send IP PIN notices to taxpayers?

A15: From mid-December through early January, CP01A notices are sent to taxpayers eligible to receive an IP PIN.

Q16: Should I give my IP PIN to anyone?

A16: You should keep your IP PIN in a safe location until it's time to prepare your tax return.

If you hire a tax preparer or take advantage of a volunteer tax preparation service to prepare your tax return, you'll need to provide your IP PIN so the preparer can include it on your return.

When calling the IRS or visiting an IRS office, your IP PIN isn't accepted as proof of your identity.

Q17: Do I include my dependent's IRS-issued IP PIN on my federal tax return?

A17: This is determined by how you file.

E-file Return: If you claim one or more dependents that have an IP PIN, you must enter their IP PIN on the following e-file tax forms:

Form 1040, Individual Income Tax Return, series
Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses
Schedule Earned Income Credit

Your e-file return will be rejected if you fail to enter a dependent's IP PIN.

Note: If someone can claim you on their tax return as a dependent and you have an IP PIN, you must share your IP PIN with them if they e-file.

Paper Return: You don't need to enter an IP PIN for your dependent(s) when filing a paper tax return.

Q18: Should I include my IP PIN on Forms such as Form 4868, Automatic Filing Extension, or when I file my state tax return?

A18: No. The IP PIN is only used on federal tax Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS.

Q19: Should I include my IP PIN when filing an Amended return? (updated September 21, 2022)

A19: Yes. The exact requirements for the IP PIN that exist for the original return will apply to an amended return.

For paper-filed returns, the IP PIN must be included on Form 1040, which must be submitted along with the amended return. See Question 10 above.
For electronically filed returns, see Question 10 above.

Q20: Will I get my refund faster if I use my IP PIN?

A20: How quickly you receive your refund depends on your individual return information. If you include your IP PIN when filing, your return will be subject to the same validity checks as other returns, not requiring an IP PIN.

See Where's My Refund? for more information on the status of your refund.

Q21: If I cannot validate my identity through the Get an IP PIN tool, how else can I participate in the IP PIN Program?

A21: There are two alternatives to receive an IP PIN:

If your adjusted gross income is below $73,000 for Individuals or $146,000 for Married Filing Joint, you can file Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification NumberPDF.
To file Form 15227, you must have the following:
- A valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- An adjusted gross income of $73,000 for Individuals or $146,000 for Married Filing Joint or less
- Access to a telephone
Suppose you cannot verify your identity online or with the Form 15227 process or are ineligible to file Form 15227. In that case, you may schedule a visit at a Taxpayer Assistance Center to request an IP PIN. You can find the TAC office closest to you with our Taxpayer Assistance Locator tool or call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment.