Page Last Reviewed or Updated: December 20, 2023

Identity Protection PIN

The IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) Program has been expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identity.

This is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent their Social Security number from being used to file fraudulent federal income tax returns. This number helps the IRS to verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their tax return.

An eligible taxpayer will be able to get the IP PIN online by accessing the Get an IP PIN tool on the IRS website by following the link to this page:

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

Here is what you need to know before applying:

• The Get an IP PIN tool is the preferred method of obtaining the IP PIN and the only one that immediately reveals the IP PIN to the taxpayer.
• The number is valid for one year. Each January, the taxpayer must get a new number.
• The number must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns.
• Taxpayers with either a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number who can verify their identity are eligible for the program.
• Any primary or secondary taxpayer or dependent can get an IP PIN, if they can prove their identity.

Once you obtain the IP PIN, you will need to notify our office so that we can include this information on your tax return.