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August 16, 2024

In this digital day and age, safeguarding your identity from cyber criminals around the world has become a priority. In the 2023 tax season alone, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has flagged more than one million tax returns for potential identity theft. 

To combat this threat, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) encourages taxpayers to enroll in their IP PIN Program as an additional layer of security against identity thieves. 

What is an IP PIN? 

The Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a six-digit number assigned by the IRS to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the use of their Social Security Number (SSN) for fraudulent tax returns.  

If you have been confirmed to be a victim of a tax-related identity theft, and once the IRS has resolved your tax issues, the IRS will send you via mail a CP01A Notice with a unique IP PIN each year. 

Once issued with an IP PIN, the taxpayer must include it on their return before filing. This helps the IRS verify the taxpayer’s identity by checking the IP PIN together with the taxpayer’s SSN. 

How to get an IP PIN 

You don’t need to be a victim of tax-related identity theft before you get an IP PIN. Take the proactive step to protect yourself from these cyber criminals by enrolling in the IP PIN Program.  

As long as you can verify your identity and have an SSN or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), you can request for an IP PIN. Below are the several ways to get one: 

  • Online Enrollment. The fastest way is to request an IP PIN through your IRS Online Account. If you don’t have an online account, you should consider signing up for one since the combination of the IRS online account and IP PIN is your best move to secure your tax information. You may also start by clicking Get an IP PIN then validate your identity through ID.  

If you choose to get your IP PIN online, you must also retrieve via online your yearly IP PIN since no CP01A Notice will be mailed for online enrollments. 

  • Application via Form 15227. If your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $79,000 (or $158,000 for married filing jointly) and can’t set up an online account, you can request for an IP PIN by using the Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number. You just need to have access to a telephone since the IRS will call you on the number you provided on the form to validate your identity. Once verified, your IP PIN will be mailed to you within four to six weeks. Your IP PIN will then be sent to you yearly via mail. 
  • In-Person Authentication. If neither of the above options work for you, another way to apply for an IP PIN is to make an appointment for an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. You must bring a valid and unexpired government-issued ID and another identification document to prove your identity. Once verified, your IP PIN will be mailed to you within three weeks then your succeeding IP PIN will be sent to you yearly via mail. 

Important Facts about the IP PINs 

  • An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year and a new IP PIN is generated each year for your account. 
  • It is known only to you and the IRS. You can only share this with the IRS and your trusted tax professional. Remember that the IRS will never call, email or text a request for the IP PIN. 
  • Logging back into your online account will display your current IP PIN. 
  • The IP PIN should be entered on the electronic tax return when prompted by the software product or on a paper return next to the signature line. 
  • Tax professionals cannot obtain an IP PIN on behalf of clients. Taxpayers must obtain their own IP PIN.  

Want to learn more? 

You may want to consult and work with 1099 Accountant – We offer online bookkeeping, online advisory services and online tax and accounting services. We offer reasonable rates. We only work with independent contractors, freelancers, and one-person business. We work with locum tenens from California to New York City and everywhere in between. Yes, even Hawaii! 

Contact us toll-free (855)529-1099 or make an appointment for a free consultation. Contact Us

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