How To: Retrieve Your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

Topics Covered:

• What’s an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?
• How to retrieve your IP PIN online
• How to get your IP PIN reissued
• Special Considerations

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What’s an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?

An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

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Why do I need it?

If you were assigned an IP PIN and you lost it or didn't receive a CP01A Notice from the IRS, you'll need to retrieve it or have it reissued in order to e-file your tax return.

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You were assigned an IP PIN if you:

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• Received a CP01A Notice
• Opted-in to receive an IP PIN
• Tried to e-file your tax return and it was ‘rejected because you didn't include an IP PIN’

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If you were assigned an IP PIN and try to file your return without it:

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• Your electronic return will be rejected, and you won't be able to e-file
• Your paper return will be subject to additional screenings to validate your identity, which will delay any refund you may be due (some have experienced delays up to 1 year!)

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How to retrieve your IP PIN online

• If you have an IRS online account you can use the Get an IP PIN online tool to retrieve your current IP PIN.
• If you don’t have an IRS online account, you will be asked to register for an account and validate your identity before using the Get an IP PIN online tool to retrieve your current IP PIN.

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💁 IRS online account registration can take up to 30 minutes to complete, and requires a photo of a government ID and selfie, or a live call with an ID.me video chat agent.

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How to get your IP PIN reissued

If you're unable to retrieve your IP PIN online, you may call the IRS at 800-908-4490 for specialized assistance, Monday - Friday, 7AM - 7PM to have your IP PIN reissued. After verifying your identity, your IP PIN will be mailed to your address of record within 21 days.

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Special Considerations

If it’s after October 14 and:

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• you haven’t filed your individual income tax return(s), and
• you cannot access the Get an IP PIN online tool;

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Your best alternative is to file your tax return by paper without your IP PIN

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• You’ll need to complete and mail a paper tax return without your IP PIN. The IRS will review your return to confirm it’s yours, but any refund you’re due could be significantly delayed.

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Note: Existing IP PIN users seeking to retrieve their numbers should not apply for a new IP PIN with Form 15227. The Form 15227 application process is only for taxpayers who are newly opting into the program and do not already have an IP PIN requirement.

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References:

Retrieve your IP PIN

Get an Identity Protection PIN