Why You Should Have an IRS Identity Protection PIN

Protect Your Tax Return from Identity Theft

Tax-related identity theft is a growing concern, and scammers do not always need your personal information to file a false return. One of the strongest defenses you can use to protect yourself is the IRS Identity Protection PIN, or IP PIN. This tool is designed to secure your tax account and prevent unauthorized filings.

What is an IP PIN?

An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to you by the IRS. Once activated, no tax return can be filed using your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) without this PIN. If a return is submitted without the correct IP PIN, the IRS will automatically reject it.

A new and unique IP PIN is issued to you every calendar year. You must use the most recent PIN when filing your federal tax return.

Why You Should Get an IP PIN Even If You Have Not Been Hacked

Many people believe identity theft only occurs after a major data breach or if someone gains access to their Social Security number. However, criminals have other ways of filing false tax returns.

How Scammers File Fraudulent Returns Without Your Information

• Random SSN Generation: Scammers use software to randomly create SSNs that fit valid patterns. These numbers may belong to people who have never filed, such as children or the deceased, or to taxpayers with minimal IRS activity.
• Synthetic Identity Theft: Criminals combine real SSNs with fake names and other fabricated personal details to form new, fake identities. These synthetic profiles can be used to file fraudulent tax returns.
• Preparer Fraud: Some dishonest tax preparers file unauthorized returns using partial or inaccurate information to generate refunds for themselves.
• Data from Past Breaches: Even if your SSN was stolen years ago, it could still be circulating on the dark web and used to file a return in your name.

In these cases, a fraudulent refund may be issued by the IRS before you even attempt to file. That leaves you to deal with the resulting delay and cleanup.

How an IP PIN Helps Prevent Tax Identity Theft

The IP PIN is an added layer of protection that stops unauthorized returns. The IRS will only accept your return if it includes your current IP PIN. If a scammer files a return using your information but does not include the correct PIN, the IRS will reject it.

This makes the IP PIN one of the most effective tools for protecting your refund and identity.

Who Can Get an IP PIN?

The IP PIN program is now available to all taxpayers who can verify their identity. You do not have to be a victim of identity theft to enroll.

To be eligible:

• You must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• You must be able to verify your identity through the IRS secure system

How to Get an IP PIN

1. Visit www.irs.gov/ippin
2. Select the Get an IP PIN tool
3. Sign in or create an ID.me account
4. Verify your identity using government-issued ID and a few personal details
5. Once verified, your IP PIN will be displayed

Your new PIN will be issued every year in January. Make sure to retrieve the latest one before filing your return.

How to Retrieve Your IP PIN

If you lose your IP PIN or did not receive one for the current year, you can retrieve it:

• Go to www.irs.gov/ippin
• Use the Get an IP PIN tool to log in to your IRS account
• After verifying your identity, your current IP PIN will be displayed

If you are unable to retrieve your PIN online, you may call the IRS for assistance at 800-908-4490.