6-Digit IRS Identity Protection PIN

If you were a victim of identity theft, you may receive IRS Notice CP01A containing a single use 6-digit PIN. If you have misplaced the IRS letter containing your IP PIN, CLICK HERE to retrieve it or call the IRS 1-800-829-1040 to request another copy of the notice.

What the IRS says about the 6-Digit IP Pin…

What’s an IP PIN?

The IRS IP PIN is a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. 

What does an IP PIN do?

An IP PIN helps us verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return. When you have an IP PIN, it prevents someone else from filing a tax return with your SSN.

If a return is e-filed with your SSN and an incorrect or missing IP PIN, our system will reject it until you submit it with the correct IP PIN or you file on paper. If the same conditions occur on a paper filed return, we will delay its processing and any refund you may be due for your protection while we determine if it’s yours. 

Who is eligible for an IRS IP PIN?

You’re eligible for an IP PIN if:

• • We sent you a CP01A Notice containing your IP PIN, or
  • You filed your federal tax return last year as a resident of Florida, Georgia or the District of Columbia, or
  • You received an IRS letter inviting you to ‘opt-in’ to get an IP PIN.

How do I get an IP PIN?

• • If you received a CP01A Notice in December, your IP PIN is located at the bottom of the first column.
  • If you filed your tax return last year with an address in Florida, Georgia or the District of Columbia, you’re invited to participate in the IP PIN program by going to Get an IP PIN. The program is not limited to identity theft victims.
  • If you lost your IP PIN or didn’t receive your new one, Retrieve Your IP PIN for more information. 

What do I need to do after I get an IRS IP PIN?

You must use the IP PIN on all federal income tax returns 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and 1040 PR/SS and any delinquent returns filed during the current calendar year.

• • Don’t reveal your IP PIN to anyone other than your tax preparer. Reveal it only when you are ready to sign and submit your federal income tax return.
  • You can’t use your IRS IP PIN on a state income tax return. If you state also issues identity protection PINs, use it only for the state income tax return. 

If you file your federal tax return without your IRS assigned IP PIN:

• • 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 and will delay any refund you may be receiving. 

If you lost your IP PIN or didn’t receive your new one,

Use our online tool Get an IP PIN or visit Retrieve Your IP PIN for more information.

For additional information
Please visit the IP PIN FAQ page

Additional Information

If you believe you may be at risk for tax related identity theft, fill out IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit and either fax or mail it to the IRS so they can mark your account to identify any questionable activity (the fax number and mailing address are provided on the form).

Form 14039 is now available in the TaxAct program. To access the form in the Online program, click Forms on the right side of the screen, then View Complete Forms List, and browse for the form under Federal Forms and Schedules. To access the form in the Desktop program, click on the Forms button in the top left corner and browse for the form under Federal Forms and Schedules.

Read IRS Publication 4535 Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance to determine how to minimize the risk of having your identity stolen. You will also find information on the steps you need to take in case you believe you have become a victim of identity theft.