Beginning January 10, 2022, Identify Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IP PIN) will be available through the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) new Get an IP PIN site.
Read on to learn more about IP PINs and Get an IP PIN’s key benefits and need-to-know details.
How will I benefit from Get an IP PIN?
The largest benefit of Get an IP PIN is the real-time delivery of current filing year IP PINs, which previously were only available by calling the IRS and then waiting for the PIN to arrive in the mail. That process, which is still available to all filers, typically takes about three weeks once the filer’s ID is verified.
What exactly is the IP PIN?
IP PIN, which debuted in 2011, is a six-digit number that, when leveraged, prevents the fraudulent use of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for tax filing purposes. The program is voluntary, but more than 5.1 million U.S. taxpayers currently participate in the IP PIN program.
Do I need an IP PIN?
Not necessarily — most U.S. filers don’t typically need one and they’re infrequently mandated by the IRS.
But that’s not to say they’re not worth considering. IP PINs add an extra layer of security and are valuable for those who’ve been a victim of tax-related identify fraud or who are concerned about becoming a victim.
What else do I need to know about IP PIN?
IP PIN is a fairly straight-forward tool, but there are several key details to note:
- IP PIN use supersedes Form 14039, Identify Theft Affidavit, which is used by taxpayers who suspect they were the victim of tax-related identity theft.
- IP PINs are for everyone. Anyone with either a valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who can verify their identity is eligible to participate in IP PIN.
- All IP PINs are valid for one year. The IRS generates and proactively assigns new numbers annually. Numbers assigned in prior years are invalid.
- Correct use of your IP PIN is critical. Failure to use a valid IP PIN on a new or amended return may result in the delay or rejection of a filed return.
- Stay alert! Remember, the IRS will never call to verify personal identifiers, including your SSN, ITIN, and IPIN.
Want to learn more?
Visit the IRS website to learn more about the IP PIN and the Get an IP PIN tool.
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