IRS IP PIN: What It Is and How To Retrieve Your PIN

Every tax season, one of the most common reasons a return gets rejected is a missing or incorrect IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). If you have an IP PIN and don't provide the correct six-digit number, the IRS will reject their electronically filed tax return.

Understanding how to locate or retrieve their IP PIN can save significant time, frustration, and filing delays.

What Is an IRS IP PIN?

An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a six-digit code issued by the IRS to help prevent tax-related identity theft. The IP PIN serves as an additional layer of security and verifies that the taxpayer filing the return is the legitimate taxpayer.

Originally designed for identity theft victims, the IP PIN program is now available to eligible taxpayers who want extra protection against fraudulent tax filings.

Important Facts About IP PINs
- An IP PIN is six digits long.
- A new IP PIN is generated annually.
- Once assigned, the current year's IP PIN must be entered on the taxpayer's federal return.
- Filing without the correct IP PIN will typically result in an e-file rejection.
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How Taxpayers Typically Receive Their IP PIN

Taxpayers who are enrolled in the IP PIN program generally obtain their annual IP PIN through:

- Their IRS Online Account
- IRS Notice CP01A (for certain taxpayers, particularly identity theft victims)

However, many taxpayers misplace the notice or forget they enrolled in the program years ago.

How to Retrieve a Lost IP PIN

Option 1: Retrieve It Through the IRS Online Account (Fastest Method)

The quickest and most reliable way for taxpayers to retrieve their IP PIN is through their IRS Online Account.

Steps:

1. Visit the IRS IP PIN page.
2. Sign in to the taxpayer's IRS Online Account.
3. Complete identity verification if prompted.
4. Navigate to the Profile section.
5. View the current year's IP PIN.

If the you do not already have an account, you will need to create one and verify your identity through the IRS authentication process.

Option 2: Contact the IRS

If the taxpayer cannot access their online account, they may call the IRS for assistance.

The IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit can help verify identity and, if eligible, reissue the IP PIN by mail. According to IRS guidance, taxpayers who successfully verify their identity over the phone may receive their IP PIN by mail within approximately 21 days.

IRS Contact Information
Domestic: 800-908-4490
International: 267-941-1000
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Special Rule for Dependents and Minors

IP PINs for children under age 18 generally cannot be retrieved online. If a dependent's IP PIN is lost or missing, the parent or guardian must contact the IRS to have the PIN reissued by mail.

What Happens If A Taxpayer File Without the IP PIN?

Filing without the correct IP PIN can create avoidable delays.

Potential consequences include:

- Electronic return rejection.
- Delayed processing of paper returns.
- Refund delays while the IRS verifies the taxpayer's identity.