An Internal Revenue Service Personal Identification Number (IRS PIN), or IP PIN, is a crucial tool for protecting yourself from tax-related identity theft. This six-digit number acts as a shield, preventing unauthorized individuals from filing a tax return using your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Only you and the IRS know your IP PIN, ensuring its confidentiality and enhancing the security of your tax information.
Obtaining an Internal Revenue Service PIN: Various Methods
Several avenues exist for acquiring an IP PIN. The quickest and most convenient method is through your IRS online account. This platform requires registration and identity verification for first-time users. Spouses and dependents can also obtain their own IP PINs if they successfully complete the verification process.
Once enrolled online, you can retrieve your IP PIN annually through your account, generally from mid-January to mid-November. A CP01A Notice will not be mailed to you if you opt for online access. However, if you are a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft with resolved tax account issues, the IRS will automatically mail you a new IP PIN each year via a CP01A Notice.
Alternatively, if online access isn’t feasible, other methods are available, though they may entail a longer processing time. Individuals with an adjusted gross income below $84,000 (or $168,000 for married filing jointly) can file Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number. This requires a valid SSN or ITIN, the specified income threshold, and access to a telephone for identity verification. The IP PIN will be mailed to you within four to six weeks.
For those ineligible for Form 15227 or unable to verify their identity online or via the form, in-person authentication is available at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Schedule an appointment and bring one current government-issued photo ID and a secondary identification document for verification. Your IP PIN will be mailed within approximately three weeks.
Essential Facts Regarding Your Internal Revenue Service PIN
Your IP PIN is valid for a single calendar year and a new one is generated annually. Access your current IP PIN anytime through your online account. Remember, this number is required for all federal tax return filings during the year, including prior-year returns, and must be entered on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS.
Accurate entry of your IP PIN on both electronic and paper returns is crucial to prevent rejections and processing delays. Providing an incorrect or missing IP PIN can lead to significant setbacks in receiving your refund.
Protecting Your Internal Revenue Service PIN: Key Precautions
Safeguarding your IP PIN is paramount. Never disclose it to anyone except your trusted tax professional, and only when you are ready to sign and file your return. The IRS will never solicit your IP PIN via phone, email, or text message. Any communication requesting this information is a scam. If you lose your IP PIN, refer to the IRS website for retrieval instructions; do not file a new Form 15227.
Internal Revenue Service PIN: Your Shield Against Tax Fraud
In summary, an Internal Revenue Service Pin is a vital safeguard for protecting your tax identity. Utilizing available resources to obtain and protect your IP PIN can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of tax-related identity theft. Remain vigilant and informed to ensure the security of your sensitive tax information.
