What is an IP PIN? Here's Why You Want One

Tax-related identity theft is one of the most common types of fraud I see in my work with clients, and it’s also one of the most preventable. Every filing season, thieves attempt to file fraudulent returns using stolen Social Security numbers, hoping to collect a refund before the real taxpayer ever files. The IRS’s Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program is still one of the simplest, most effective, and completely free tools available to stop that from happening to you.

What is an IP PIN?

An IP PIN is a unique six-digit number known only to you and the IRS. It verifies your identity when you file a federal tax return, and it protects your account even in years you’re not required to file. Eligible taxpayers with a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number can request one, including taxpayers living abroad.

A few things worth knowing before you sign up:

• A new PIN is issued every year for added security, so if you enroll, plan to retrieve your updated number annually, early in the filing season.
• You’ll need to include your IP PIN on every federal return you file that year, including prior-year and amended returns. Use your current-year IP PIN even when filing for an earlier tax year, not the PIN tied to that earlier year.
• If you use a tax professional, we can use the PIN you provide us, but we can’t request one on your behalf. That part is on you.

How to get one

The fastest way is through your IRS Individual Online Account. Once you’re signed in, you can select the IP PIN option under your profile. If you’re setting up a new account, you’ll need to complete identity verification first.

If you can’t verify your identity online, you still have options. Taxpayers with adjusted gross income below $84,000 (or $168,000 for married filing jointly) may apply by mailing in Form 15227. If that doesn’t work either, you can make an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center and complete the process in person.

Should you sign up?

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft before, work in an industry where your SSN circulates more than you’d like, or simply want one more layer of protection heading into next filing season, this is a low-effort step with real upside. Reach out if you’d like help getting set up, or if you want to talk through your broader identity protection strategy.