IRS Expands "Identity Protection PIN" to Taxpayers Nationwide

As part of its ongoing security measures, the Internal Revenue Service has expanded the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identities. The IRS urges taxpayers to opt in to the IP PIN program in 2021, to take proactive measures against identity theft.

The IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return.



The online tool utilizes Secure Access authentication, which uses several different ways to verify a person’s identity. The authentication process is very thorough, and the IRS encourages taxpayers, before using the “Get an IP PIN” tool, to review the requirements at IRS.gov/SecureAccess.

After you have passed the Secure Access authentication, your IP PIN will immediately appear on your screen.

Persons who cannot pass Secure Access authentication and have incomes of $72,000 or less may complete Form 15227 and submit it to the IRS. Taxpayers with income greater than $72,000 may make an in-person appointment with a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Taxpayers who obtain an IP PIN should never share their code with anyone except their trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call to request the taxpayer’s IP PIN, and taxpayers must be alert to potential IP PIN scams.

Here’s what taxpayers need to know about the IP PIN before applying:

• The “Get an IP PIN” tool is the preferred method of obtaining an IP PIN and the only one that immediately reveals the PIN to the taxpayer.

• Taxpayers with either a Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number who can verify their identities are eligible for the opt-in program.

• The IP PIN is valid for one year. Each January, the taxpayer must obtain a newly generated IP PIN.

• To avoid rejections and delays, your IP PIN must be properly entered on electronic and paper tax returns.

• Any primary taxpayer (listed first on the return), secondary taxpayer (listed second on the return) or dependent may obtain an IP PIN if they can pass the identity proofing requirements.

• The IRS plans to offer, in 2022, an opt-out feature to the IP PIN program for taxpayers who find it is not right for them.

Please contact us if we can be of any assistance in obtaining an IP PIN or if you have any questions about whether the program is appropriate for you.