IRS Identity Protection PIN Program

The IRS will begin an informative campaign about the benefits of obtaining an Identity Protection PIN to help safeguard your identity when filing tax returns.

"The IP PIN is the number one security tool currently available to taxpayers from the IRS,” an independent security advisory group said in its annual report to Congress. “This tool is the key to making it more difficult for criminals to file false tax returns in the name of the taxpayer. In our view, the benefits of increased IP PIN use are many.”

Here are a few things taxpayers should know about the IP PIN:

• It’s a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS.

• The opt-in program is voluntary.

• The IP PIN should be entered onto the electronic tax return when prompted by the software product or onto a paper return next to the signature line.

• The IP PIN is valid for one calendar year; taxpayers must obtain a new IP PIN each year.

• Only taxpayers who can verify their identities may obtain an IP PIN.

• IP PIN users should never share their number with anyone but the IRS and their trusted tax preparation provider. The IRS will never call, email or text a request for the IP PIN.

To obtain an IP PIN, the best option is the Get an IP PIN, the IRS online tool. Taxpayers must validate their identities through Secure Access authentication to access the tool and their IP PIN. Taxpayers should be aware that this is a rigorous process so ensure you have the appropriate information and time available before beginning the authentication process.