Identity Theft Guide
IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) Guide 2026
An IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. Each year, the IRS issues a new IP PIN to participating taxpayers. Opting in blocks electronic and paper filings without the correct PIN.
What Is an IP PIN?
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code assigned to a taxpayer by the Internal Revenue Service. Its sole purpose is to prevent someone else from filing a fraudulent tax return using your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). When you file your tax return, the IRS matches your IP PIN against its records. If the PIN is missing or incorrect, the IRS rejects the return — preventing identity thieves from filing a return in your name and stealing your refund.
The IP PIN program was created under the Identity Protection Tax Refund Fraud Initiative and has expanded significantly in recent years. What began as a program only for confirmed identity theft victims is now open to any taxpayer who wants the extra layer of security. In 2025, over 18 million taxpayers had active IP PINs.
Your IP PIN is valid for one calendar year only. Each December, the IRS generates a new PIN for the upcoming filing season. You must retrieve or receive your new PIN each year — the old one will not work for the new tax year.
How IP PINs Work
The IP PIN system is conceptually simple but highly effective. Here is the process:
| Step | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You enroll in the IP PIN program via IRS.gov/ippin | IRS generates a unique 6-digit PIN linked to your SSN |
| 2 | IRS sends your IP PIN by mail (or you retrieve online) | Your PIN is delivered securely; a new one issued each December |
| 3 | You include the IP PIN when filing your tax return | PIN must be entered for e-file or written on paper Form 1040 |
| 4 | IRS validates the PIN against its system | If correct, return processes normally. If incorrect or missing, rejection occurs |
| 5 | Fraudulent return is blocked | An identity thief cannot file using your SSN without your current IP PIN |
The system is effective because the IP PIN is different each year and is generated using a proprietary algorithm known only to the IRS. Even if a thief obtains your SSN and personal information, they cannot file a return without the correct, current IP PIN.
The IRS generates a new IP PIN each December for the upcoming filing season. You will receive a CP01A notice in the mail with your new PIN. You can also retrieve it online through the Get an IP PIN tool at IRS.gov. Your old IP PIN will not work — you must use the current year's PIN when filing.
Who Should Get an IP PIN
The IP PIN program has two enrollment paths — mandatory for some, voluntary for others:
Mandatory Enrollment
You are required to have an IP PIN if any of the following apply:
- You were a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft and have resolved your case with the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit.
- The IRS sent you a CP01A notice assigning you an IP PIN.
- You participated in the IP PIN program in a prior year (once enrolled, you cannot unenroll unless you have a special circumstance).
Voluntary Enrollment
Any taxpayer can opt in to the IP PIN program. You do not need to have been a victim of identity theft. The IRS encourages voluntary enrollment as a proactive security measure, especially if you:
- Have had personal information exposed in a data breach (e.g., Equifax, Marriott, or a company breach).
- Have received notices from the IRS about suspicious activity on your account.
- Live in a state with high rates of tax-related identity theft.
- Want maximum protection for your tax identity.
- File early every year and want to prevent thieves from filing first.
If you voluntarily enroll in the IP PIN program, you are committed to participating going forward. You cannot unenroll online. To withdraw, you must submit a signed statement to the IRS explaining why you no longer need the protection, and the IRS will decide whether to grant the request. Most taxpayers who opt in stay in the program permanently.
How to Get an IP PIN
There are three ways to obtain an IP PIN. The online method is fastest and recommended for most taxpayers.
Method 1: Online via IRS.gov (Recommended)
The Get an IP PIN tool on IRS.gov is the fastest way to enroll. You must complete ID.me identity verification, which requires:
- A valid email address
- A smartphone or computer with a camera for a selfie
- One piece of government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Your Social Security number
- Your filing status and address from your most recent tax return
The entire process takes about 10-15 minutes. Once verified, your IP PIN is displayed immediately, and you can also view your prior year's PIN.
Method 2: By Mail — Form 15283
If you cannot verify your identity online, you can file Form 15283, the Identity Protection PIN Application. Complete the form and mail it to the address listed in the instructions. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. The IRS will mail your IP PIN to the address on file. If you have moved, make sure your address is updated with the IRS first.
Method 3: In Person at a TAC
You can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) to verify your identity in person. Bring two forms of identification (one with a photo). The TAC staff will process your application, and you will receive your IP PIN by mail within approximately 2-3 weeks. Find your local TAC using the IRS TAC locator.
Each individual taxpayer needs their own IP PIN. If you file jointly, both you and your spouse need separate IP PINs. Dependents aged 18 or older must apply for their own. For dependents under 18, a parent or guardian can apply on their behalf through the online tool or by filing Form 15283. An IP PIN is not required for a deceased taxpayer.
How to Use Your IP PIN
Using your IP PIN is straightforward once you have it. The process differs slightly depending on how you file:
E-Filing with IP PIN
Most tax software — including TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer, Cash App Taxes, and FreeTaxUSA — prompts you for your IP PIN during the filing process. Look for a field labeled "IP PIN," "Identity Protection PIN," or "5-digit PIN" (some older software). Enter your 6-digit IP PIN exactly as shown. If you are married filing jointly, both IP PINs must be entered. The software will submit both PINs with the return.
Paper Filing with IP PIN
If you file a paper Form 1040, write your 6-digit IP PIN in the box provided near the signature area on page 2 of the form. If you are married filing jointly and both have IP PINs, write both PINs separated by a comma. The IRS will not process a paper return without a valid IP PIN for each taxpayer.
IP PIN for Dependents
If you claim a dependent who has an IP PIN, you must enter that dependent's IP PIN when filing your return. Most tax software has a field for dependent IP PINs. The IRS cross-references dependent IP PINs against its database, and a missing or incorrect PIN can delay the processing of your refund.
Do not confuse your IP PIN with your Electronic Filing PIN (e-file PIN) — these are different. The e-file PIN is a 5-digit number you created when you first e-filed. Your IP PIN is a 6-digit number assigned by the IRS. Also, do not enter last year's IP PIN — you must use the current year's PIN. The IRS will reject your return if you use an expired PIN.
What If You Lose Your IP PIN
Losing your IP PIN is not a crisis. There are several ways to retrieve it:
- Retrieve Online — Use the Get an IP PIN tool at IRS.gov. Log in with your ID.me account, and your current IP PIN will be displayed immediately. You can also view prior year PINs.
- Check Your CP01A Notice — The IRS mails a CP01A notice each December with your new IP PIN. If you have kept the notice, your PIN is printed on it.
- Call the IRS — Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. You will need to verify your identity. The IRS will mail a new IP PIN to your address of record within 2-3 weeks.
- Visit a TAC — Make an appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Bring identification. The TAC can retrieve your IP PIN on-site in some cases.
The IRS cannot provide your IP PIN over the phone for security reasons. If you call, they will mail it to you. Plan ahead — if you need your IP PIN to file, retrieve it at least 2-3 weeks before you plan to submit your return.
IP PIN for Dependents
Dependents are increasingly targeted for tax-related identity theft because their SSNs are often unused and breaches go unnoticed for years. The IRS recommends IP PINs for all dependents. Here is how it works:
- Dependents under 18 — A parent or legal guardian can apply for a dependent's IP PIN using the online Get an IP PIN tool. You will need the dependent's SSN and your own verified ID.me account. You can also file Form 15283 with the dependent's information.
- Dependents aged 18 or older — They must create their own ID.me account and apply for their own IP PIN. Parents cannot apply on their behalf once they turn 18.
- Entering dependent IP PINs on your return — When you file your return and claim a dependent with an IP PIN, enter the dependent's IP PIN in the appropriate section of your tax software. The IRS will validate it against their records.
- No IP PIN for deceased dependents — If a dependent has passed away, you do not need an IP PIN to claim a final year exemption or credit.
Having IP PINs for your dependents adds an important layer of protection. Identity thieves often target children's SSNs because the theft can go undetected for years until the child files their first tax return as an adult.
What If You Cannot E-File Due to IP PIN Issues
If the IRS rejects your e-filed return because of an IP PIN problem, here is how to resolve it:
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "IP PIN is invalid" | You entered the wrong PIN or a PIN from a prior year | Retrieve your current year IP PIN from the Get an IP PIN tool and re-enter it |
| "IP PIN is missing" | You have an IP PIN on file but did not include it | Enter your current IP PIN and resubmit |
| "Dependent IP PIN mismatch" | Dependent's IP PIN is missing or incorrect | Verify the dependent's IP PIN and re-enter it |
| "Spouse IP PIN is missing" | Married joint return missing one spouse's IP PIN | Enter both spouses' current IP PINs |
| "Unable to verify IP PIN" | ID.me or IRS system issue | Call the IRS IP PIN helpline at 800-908-4490 for assistance |
If you cannot resolve the IP PIN issue electronically, you may need to file a paper return by the deadline. Include your IP PIN in the designated box on Form 1040. Paper returns with IP PIN issues are reviewed manually, which can cause processing delays of several months. To avoid this, resolve your IP PIN issue before the filing deadline.
Need to estimate your refund? Use our free tax refund calculator to see what you can expect once your return is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a tax content specialist, I verify every detail in this guide against official IRS publications and the IRS IP PIN program guidelines. Identity protection is one of the most critical areas of tax security, and the IP PIN is the single most effective tool the IRS offers to prevent tax-related identity theft. I update this guide each year to reflect changes to the enrollment process, ID.me requirements, and dependent IP PIN rules.
— Lead Tax Content Strategist, TaxCalcHQ