How to Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN to Stop Tax Fraud

Tax identity theft is a serious and growing problem. A thief who knows your Social Security Number can file a fake tax return in your name early in the tax season, claim a large refund, and disappear with the money — leaving you to deal with a mess when you file your real return and the IRS tells you a return has already been submitted.

The IRS created the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program specifically to stop this. Your IP PIN is a six-digit number that must be included on your federal tax return. Without it, the IRS will reject the return. So even if a criminal has your Social Security Number and knows everything about your financial situation, they cannot file a tax return in your name without your IP PIN — which only you know.

Anyone can sign up for an IP PIN, not just people who have already experienced identity theft. The IRS strongly recommends that everyone enroll, especially if your Social Security Number or personal information has ever been exposed in a data breach.

To sign up, go to IRS.gov and search for "Get an IP PIN" or go directly to IRS.gov/ippin. Click "Get an IP PIN" and log in to your IRS Online Account. If you do not already have an IRS Online Account, you will need to create one by verifying your identity through ID.me, a government-approved identity verification service. This process involves providing your Social Security Number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), and usually a selfie or brief video verification through your phone's camera.

Your IP PIN changes every year. The IRS mails your new PIN to your address on file each January. You can also retrieve your current year's PIN at any time by logging in to your IRS Online Account.

When you file your taxes, enter your IP PIN in the designated field. If you use tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or FreeTaxUSA, each has a clearly labeled field for "Identity Protection PIN." If you use a tax preparer, share your IP PIN with them — they are required to include it on your return.

Keep your IP PIN completely private. Do not share it with anyone except your authorized tax preparer. The IRS will never call you to ask for your IP PIN.

If you lose your IP PIN before filing: log in to your IRS Online Account at IRS.gov to retrieve it. The current year's PIN is always visible there.