Should You Obtain An IP PIN?

An IP PIN, you ask – what is it?  Well, it is an Identity Protection PIN which prevents the filing of a tax return using your Social Security Number by someone other than you. 

These PINs have been around for several years but were issued only when someone had fraudulent activity on their account or were victims of identity theft.  The IP PIN is valid for one year.

What was once available for only certain individual taxpayers is now available to all individual taxpayers through the Opt-In Program.  As long as you can verify your identity, you can protect yourself. 

Here are a few things the IRS shares that taxpayers should know about the IP PIN:

• It’s a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS.
• The opt-in program is voluntary.
• The IP PIN should be entered onto the electronic tax return when prompted by the software product or onto a paper return next to the signature line.
• The IP PIN is valid for one calendar year; taxpayers must obtain a new IP PIN each year.
• Only dependents who can verify their identities may obtain an IP PIN.
• IP PIN users should never share their number with anyone but the IRS and their trusted tax preparation provider. The IRS will never call, email or text a request for the IP PIN.

Currently, taxpayers may obtain an IP PIN for 2021, which should be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year. New IP PINs will be available starting in January 2022.

To obtain an IP PIN, the best option is the Get an IP PIN, the IRS online tool. Taxpayers must validate their identities through Secure Access authentication to access the tool and their IP PIN. Taxpayers who cannot validate their identities online, or on the phone with an IRS employee, may call the IRS to make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. They will need to bring one picture identification document and another identification document to prove their identity. Once verified, the taxpayer will receive an IP PIN via U.S. Postal Service within three weeks.

The IP PIN process for confirmed victims of identity theft remains unchanged. These victims will automatically receive an IP PIN each year.

Do what you can to protect yourself.  An ounce of prevention can be worth more than a pound of cure.

Tags: identity theft, IRS, Protecting Your Information