By Sunita Gonsalves, CPA, EA – Associate, Tax
As the 2025 tax season approaches, the IRS encourages all taxpayers to take an important step to safeguard their identity by signing up for an identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN). This step can provide an added layer of security, helping protect against tax-related identity theft.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to sign up for an IRS Online Account, which provides a quick and easy way to obtain an IP PIN. Signing up early will ensure taxpayers have extra safety by having an IP PIN to electronically file their tax returns when the filing season begins in 2025.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using a taxpayer’s Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It’s a vital tool for ensuring the safety of taxpayers’ personal and financial information. The IP PIN, known only to an individual and the IRS, confirms their identity when they electronically file their tax return, making it much more difficult for thieves to use their information fraudulently for IRS filings.
How to Request an IP PIN
The best way to sign up for an IP PIN is through your IRS Online Account. The process requires identity verification. Your spouse and dependents can also obtain an IP PIN if they complete the verification steps necessary in their own IRS online accounts. Once an IP PIN is issued, it must be used on both electronic and paper tax returns filed during the year.
To get an IP PIN, taxpayers should create or log into their online account at IRS.gov and follow the steps for identity verification through ID.me. Once verified, taxpayers must click on the profile tab to request their IP PIN. IP PIN users must use this number when filing their federal tax returns for the current calendar year and any previous years filed during that same period.
For those unable to create an Online Account, alternative methods are available, such as in-person authentication at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. Please contact us for further information on alternative methods.
Important Information About IP PINs
- An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year.
- A new IP PIN is generated each January for your account.
- Logging in to your online account will display your current IP PIN.
- An IP PIN must be used when filing any federal tax returns during the calendar year, including prior year tax returns.
Using an IP PIN to File
Enter the six-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software product or provide it to your trusted tax professional preparing your tax return. The IP PIN is used only on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS.
Correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays. An incorrect or missing IP PIN will result in the rejection of your e-filed tax return or a delay of your paper tax return until it can be verified.
Don’t reveal your IP PIN to anyone. It should be known only to your tax professional and only when you are ready to sign and submit your tax return. The IRS will never ask for your IP PIN. Phone calls, emails, or texts asking for your IP PIN are scams.
Lost IP PINs
If you have been assigned an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) and lost it or didn’t receive a CP01A notice, you’ll need to retrieve your IP PIN online or have it reissued to avoid processing delays. If you file your tax return without your IP PIN, the IRS will reject your electronic tax return and review your paper tax return to verify your identity which will delay your refund.
How to Retrieve Your IP PIN Online
You may use your online account to retrieve your current IP PIN. If you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you will be asked to create an account and validate your identity.
How to Have Your IP PIN Reissued
- In the U.S., call 800-908-4490 Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time).
- International users, call 267-941-1000 (not toll-free) between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern time.
Note: If you can verify your identity with a phone assistor, your IP PIN will be mailed within 21 days to the address on file with the IRS.
We highly recommend that you obtain an IP PIN for yourself and your family as soon as possible. Fraudulent income tax returns are most frequently filed early in the tax season, so the sooner you get your IP PIN, the less likely your data will be used for a fraudulent tax return. If you have any questions or would like help in getting your IP PIN, please contact our Tax Department at 847-982-0333. We’re here to help.
Sunita Gonsalves, CPA, EA – Associate, Tax, has over four years of experience in public accounting. Her tax expertise includes compliance and planning services for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and trusts.