The good news is that the IRS lets eligible taxpayers request an IP PIN through an IRS Online Account. According to the official IRS IP PIN page, anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify identity can enroll, including many taxpayers who are not required to file a return. Here is exactly how the online process works and what to do if you hit a roadblock.
Why an IRS IP PIN matters
An IP PIN helps block one of the most common tax scams: someone electronically filing a return under your name before you submit yours. Without the correct six-digit number, a fraudulent return has a harder time getting accepted. The IRS also uses the PIN on paper returns, which can help reduce processing problems tied to identity verification.
- It is a proactive anti-fraud step, not just a remedy after identity theft.
- It is valid for one calendar year, and a new IP PIN is generated each year.
- You must use it on your federal return once you have one, including prior-year returns filed during that year.
- The IRS says it will never call, email, or text you to ask for your IP PIN.
What to have ready before you start
The online route is the fastest, but it works only if you can get into or create an IRS Online Account. If you are a new user, the IRS advises having photo identification ready for identity verification. You should also expect secure sign-in steps such as multi-factor authentication.
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- An IRS Online Account, or the ability to create one
- Photo ID for the IRS sign-in and identity verification process
- A secure place to store the PIN once it appears
- Your spouse’s and dependent’s information if they also need IP PINs
Important exception: if you are under 18, or you need an IP PIN for a dependent under 18, the IRS says you must use one of the alternative enrollment options instead of the normal online self-service route.
How to get an IRS Identity Protection PIN online
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Go to the official IRS Get an IP PIN page. Start at the IRS page for Get an identity protection PIN. This is the safest place to begin because it routes you to the correct IRS sign-in flow.
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Sign in to your IRS Online Account or create one. If you already have an IRS account, log in. If not, create one and complete identity verification. The IRS notes that the fastest way to receive an IP PIN is through the IP PIN section of your profile page inside the online account.
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Open the IP PIN section in your profile. Once you are inside your account, go to your profile and look for the Identity Protection PIN area. If you are eligible and fully verified, you can request or view your current IP PIN there.
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Save the six-digit PIN securely. Treat the number like sensitive tax data. Do not email it around, post it in notes apps without protection, or share it casually. Only give it to a trusted tax preparer when you are ready to file.
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Use the IP PIN on your federal tax return. Enter it when your tax software asks for it, or provide it to your tax professional. The IRS says the PIN is used only on federal Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS. If you file electronically without the correct IP PIN, your return can be rejected. If you file on paper without it when required, your return may be delayed while the IRS verifies identity.
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Retrieve a new PIN each year. Your IP PIN changes annually. If you opted in online, the IRS generally does not mail you a CP01A notice each year. Instead, you retrieve the current PIN through your online account during the period the IRS makes it available, generally from mid-January through mid-November.
Online option vs. backup methods
If the online process works for you, use it. It is the fastest route. If it does not, the IRS offers two slower alternatives.
| Method | Who it fits | What you need | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Online Account | Taxpayers who can verify identity online | IRS account access and identity verification | Fastest route after successful online verification |
| Form 15227 | People who cannot verify online and whose last-filed AGI is below IRS limits | SSN or ITIN, phone access, AGI under $84,000 single or $168,000 married filing jointly | Usually 4 to 6 weeks by mail after phone verification |
| Taxpayer Assistance Center | People who cannot use the online or Form 15227 route | In-person appointment plus identification documents | Usually about 3 weeks by mail after verification |
How to use the PIN correctly and avoid refund delays
An IP PIN is powerful only if you use it correctly. Each taxpayer with a PIN must enter their own PIN on the return. On a joint return, both spouses must enter their IP PIN if both have one. If a dependent has an IP PIN, that number must be included on an e-filed return or the return can be rejected.
- Use the same IP PIN rules for amended federal returns.
- Do not use the IP PIN on state returns or on Form 4868 for an extension.
- Do not assume an IP PIN makes the IRS issue a refund faster. It is a fraud-prevention tool, not a speed boost.
- If you lose your PIN, retrieve it through your online account instead of filing Form 15227 again.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting from a search ad or unofficial website instead of the official IRS page.
- Forgetting that the PIN changes every year.
- Sharing the number with anyone other than the IRS through your return or a trusted preparer.
- Trying to e-file without a spouse’s or dependent’s required IP PIN.
- Assuming a missing or wrong IP PIN will fix itself without delaying your return.
If you already have an IP PIN and cannot find it, use the IRS retrieve your IP PIN page. If you cannot access your online account, the IRS says you can call 800-908-4490 for reissue help. For a minor dependent’s IP PIN, online retrieval is not available.
FAQ
What if I lose my IRS IP PIN after I sign up online?
Retrieve it through your IRS Online Account. If you cannot access the account, the IRS says you can call 800-908-4490 for specialized assistance. Do not submit Form 15227 if you were already assigned an IP PIN. If the PIN belongs to a minor dependent, you cannot retrieve it online.
Do spouses and dependents need separate IP PINs?
Yes. The IP PIN belongs to the individual taxpayer. On a joint return, each spouse who has an IP PIN must enter it. If your dependent has an IP PIN and you e-file, you must include the dependent’s PIN or the return can be rejected.
Can I opt out of the IP PIN program later?
According to the IRS FAQ, some taxpayers can opt out if they voluntarily joined and were not victims of tax-related identity theft. You can check eligibility in the IP PIN section of your IRS Online Account, or call the IRS if you cannot sign in. After opting out, the IRS says to allow up to 72 hours before e-filing without an IP PIN or opting back in.
For account-specific problems, always use the official IRS pages rather than third-party walkthroughs. The process is straightforward when you start from the IRS site, verify your identity carefully, and store your annual PIN where you can retrieve it at tax time.