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How to Get an IP PIN in 4 Easy Steps

Written by Rocky Mengle, Attorney • Reviewed by a TurboTax CPAUpdated for Tax Year 2024 • February 12, 2025 2:11 PM
OVERVIEW

An IP PIN is a six-digit number used to confirm your identity when you file your federal income tax return. It helps stop criminals trying to file fraudulent returns using your name and Social Security number. You can get an IP PIN from the IRS in a matter of minutes once you have an IRS online account, and only you and the tax agency will know the number. Each IP PIN is only good for one calendar year, but you have the IRS automatically send you a new number each year.

Key Takeaways

  • An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to help prevent others from filing fraudulent tax returns in your name using your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • The fastest way to get an IP PIN is through an IRS online account. You can sign up for a one-time IP PIN or to have them sent to you every year.
  • Each IP PIN is only valid for filing federal income tax returns within a single calendar year.
  • You might also have to provide an IP PIN for your spouse or a dependent, if they have one, when you file your federal income tax return.

What is an IP PIN?

An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a six-digit number provided by the IRS that’s used to confirm your identity on any federal income tax return (and certain related forms) you file during the year.

Unfortunately, there are criminals out there who try to steal personal identifying information – like a Social Security number – so they can file a fake tax return in another person’s name. They use the bogus return to claim a tax refund, which the IRS sends to them. When the real person goes to file their actual return, the IRS will see that two returns have been filed and pull the legit return aside for further scrutiny. This will slow down the processing of the tax return and delay any refund that may be due.

IP PINs provide an extra layer of security that helps prevent fraudsters from filing a return in your name using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If a criminal doesn’t have your IP PIN, they won’t be able to get a refund using a phoney return with your personal information.

Anyone who has a Social Security number or ITIN can get an IP PIN if they can verify their identity. This includes children who are claimed as a dependent on your or someone else’s tax return.

How can you get an IP PIN from the IRS?

The quickest way to get an IP PIN is through an IRS online account. If you don’t already have an IRS account, you can open one in 10 to 15 minutes (you also have to create an ID.me account in the process). When opening an account, you’ll need to upload pictures of your driver’s license (or other state-issued identification), passport, or passport card. You’ll also have to take a selfie (smart phone required) or join a quick video call with an ID.com representative.

Once you have an IRS account, you can get an IP PIN in four easy steps.

Step 1. Sign in to your IRS account – Go to the IRS website to sign into your online account.

Step 2. Go to your profile page – Click on the link to your profile page at the top of the screen.

Step 3. Enroll in the IP PIN program – Scroll down until you come to the section on IP PINs. Click on the button or link for enrolling in the IP PIN program.

Step 4. Select one-time or continuous enrollment – You can choose between one-time enrollment or continuous enrollment. With the one-time enrollment, you’ll only get an IP PIN for one year. If you pick continuous enrollment, you’ll get an IP PIN for future years, too. You’ll also be asked to confirm your selection.

That’s it – you’re done! Your IP PIN will now show up on your IRS account profile page. You can print or save the page to keep with your tax records. However, don’t share your IP PIN with anyone except your tax preparer.

TurboTax Tip:

“If the IRS has identified you, your spouse, or your dependents as a victim of tax identity fraud or abuse, a new IP PIN will automatically be issued by the IRS every year, between December and January, via Notice CP01A.” – Kelly Wallace, CPA, Homedale, Idaho

What if you can’t open an online account? If for some reason you can’t open an IRS account, there are two other ways to get an IP PIN – but it’s going to take a while before you get a number.

If your adjusted gross income on the last federal income tax return you filed is below $84,000 ($168,000 for joint filers), you can use Form 15227 to request an IP PIN. You must already have a Social Security number or ITIN to use the form. Once the IRS receives your form, they will call you to validate your identity. You’ll receive your IP PIN in the mail approximately four to six weeks later.

The other option is to make an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center for an in-person meeting. The IRS will verify your identity at the meeting. You’ll then get your IP PIN in the mail – typically within three weeks.

Either way, after getting your initial IP PIN, you’ll also receive a new number annually through the mail.

Identity theft victims. If IRS records show that your personal information has or may have been stolen, you will automatically be enrolled into the IP PIN program.

How does an IP PIN work?

Once you get an IP PIN, you use it as an authentication number to let the IRS know that the Social Security number or ITIN listed on a tax return is yours.

If you’re using tax software (like TurboTax) to prepare and file your federal income tax return electronically, you’ll have to enter your IP PIN before submitting the return. If you’re filing a joint return and/or you’re claiming any dependents, you’ll also have to provide their IP PIN if they have one. If all the required IP PINs aren’t entered correctly, the IRS will reject the electronically filed return.

The process is a bit different for a paper return. You’ll have to write in your IP PIN in the space provided on your 1040 form (including Form 1040-SR and other 1040 forms). It’s in the same part of the form where you sign the return. 

As with an e-filed return, you also have to provide your spouse’s IP PIN (if they have one) if you’re filing a joint return. However, you don’t need to provide any IP PINs for dependents on a paper return.

If the IRS receives a paper return filed in your name that doesn’t include the necessary IP PINs, the IRS will hold off processing the return – and issuing a refund – until it can validate the return’s authenticity.

You don’t have to use your IP PIN on other forms, such as on Form 4868 if you’re requesting a tax filing extension. It’s not needed for your state income tax return, either.

What if a child is claimed as a dependent on two tax returns?

In the past, e-filing a return could be tricky in situations where a child’s parents weren’t married and the child was claimed as a dependent on both parents’ tax returns. The IRS would automatically reject an e-filed return from the second parent to file. However, starting in 2025, using an IP PIN can “help eliminate e-file rejection issues” in this situation, according to Clarissa Allega, a tax attorney in Barberton, Ohio.

That’s because the IRS recently put a new rule in place that allows parents and other taxpayers to successfully e-file returns when they claim a dependent who was already claimed on someone else’s return – if they have an IP PIN.

The change should make it easier for the parent who files second with an IP PIN to claim family-related tax credits, such as the Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit. Under the old rule, “the only way to e-file the return was to take the dependent off and give up the tax credits, or file on paper with supporting documentation that the parent was the appropriate person to claim the dependent,” said Allega. But now the parent who files second can e-file their return if they include their IP PIN when they file.

On the other hand, the IRS will continue to reject e-filed returns from parents who don’t have an IP PIN if one of their dependents has already been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. But if the parent e-files their return again using an IP PIN, the IRS will accept it the second time.

Do you have to get a new IP PIN each year?

Each six-digit IP PIN is only good for returns filed within a single calendar year. So, you won’t be able to use this year’s IP PIN on next year’s tax return.

If you signed up for continuous enrollment in the IP PIN program through your IRS account, a new IP PIN will be available through your account each January. If you were enrolled by the IRS after having your identity stolen, a new IP PIN  will be mailed to you each year (look for a Notice CP01A in the mail).

If you selected the one-time enrollment option through your IRS account, you won’t automatically get a new IP PIN for future years. You can still get a new IP PIN for any year you want, but you’ll have to actively request it (unless you eventually sign-up for continuous enrollment).

Is an IP PIN only good for tax returns due that year?

If you have an IP PIN, you can only use it to confirm your identity on any federal income tax return filed during the calendar year for which it’s issued. This includes returns originally due that year, amended returns, and any returns that were due in previous years but not filed until the current year.

So, for example, if you get an IP PIN for the 2025 calendar year, use it for your 2024 tax year return (which is due April 15, 2025). You’d also use the 2025 IP PIN to file prior-year tax returns if you’re filing them in 2025.

What should you do if you lose your IP PIN?

You can retrieve a lost or forgotten IP PIN through your IRS Online Account. However, if you’re not able to open an IRS account for any reason, you can call the IRS at 800-908-4490 and have them reissue your IP PIN (they’ll have to verify your identity first). You should receive your IP PIN in the mail within 21 days.

Can you stop using an IP PIN once you start?

If you selected continuous enrollment in the IP PIN program through your IRS account, you can also opt-out of the program through your account. If you picked the one-time enrollment option, your enrollment concludes at the end of the calendar year.

If the IRS enrolled you in the IP PIN program because your personal information was stolen, they will keep you in the program to protect against fraudulent returns in the future.

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The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

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  • My Docs: Included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premium TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits and is available through December 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • Tax Return Access: Included with all TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, and TurboTax Live Full Service products. Access to up to seven years of tax returns we have on file for you is available through December 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • Easy Online Amend: Individual taxes only. With TurboTax Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits, you can make changes to your 2024 tax return online through October 31, 2027. For TurboTax Live Full Service, your tax expert will amend your 2024 tax return for you through November 15, 2025; after that date, TurboTax Live Full Service customers will be able to amend their 2024 tax return themselves using the Easy Online Amend process described above. TurboTax Free Edition customers may amend 2024 tax returns online through October 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • #1 best-selling tax software: Based on aggregated sales data for all tax year 2023 TurboTax products.

  • #1 online tax filing solution for self-employed: Based upon IRS Sole Proprietor data as of calendar year 2024, for tax year 2023. Self-Employed defined as a return with a Schedule C/C-EZ tax form. Online competitor data is extrapolated from press releases and SEC filings. “Online” is defined as an individual income tax DIY return (non-preparer signed) that was prepared online and either e-filed or printed, not including returns prepared through desktop software.

  • 1099-Ks: Those filing in TurboTax Free Edition, TurboTax Live Assisted Basic or TurboTax Live Full Service Basic will be able to file a limited IRS Schedule 1 if they have hobby income or personal property rental income reported on a Form 1099-K, and/or a limited IRS Schedule D if they have personal item sales with no gain reported on Form 1099-K. Those filing in TurboTax Deluxe, TurboTax Live Assisted Deluxe or TurboTax Live Full Service Deluxe will be able to file a limited IRS Schedule D if they have personal item sales income reported on Form 1099-K. If you add other schedules or forms, or need to report other types of income on Schedules 1, D, E, F, or Form 4835 you may be required to upgrade to another TurboTax product.

  • 1099-K Snap and Autofill: Available in mobile app and mobile web only.

  • 1099-NEC Snap and Autofill: Available in TurboTax Premium (formerly Self-Employed) and TurboTax Live Assisted Premium (formerly Self-Employed). Available in mobile app only. Feature available within Schedule C tax form for TurboTax filers with 1099-NEC income.

  • Year-Round Tax Estimator: Available in TurboTax Premium (formerly Self-Employed) and TurboTax Live Assisted Premium (formerly Self-Employed). This product feature is only available after you finish and file in a self-employed TurboTax product.

  • Refer a Friend: Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Refer your Expert (Intuit's own experts): Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Refer your Expert (TurboTax Verified Pro): Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Average Refund Amount: $3,207 is the average refund amount American taxpayers received in the 2024 filing season based upon IRS data as of February 16, 2024 and may not reflect actual refund amount received. Each taxpayer's refund will vary based on their tax situation.

  • More self-employed deductions: based on the median amount of expenses found by TurboTax Premium (formerly Self Employed) customers who synced accounts, imported and categorized transactions compared to manual entry. Individual results may vary.

  • TurboTax Online Business Products: For TurboTax Live Assisted Business and TurboTax Full Service Business, we currently don't support the following tax situations: C-Corps (Form 1120) and entities electing to be treated as a C-Corp, Trust/Estates (Form 1041), Tax Exempt Entities/Non-Profits, returns that require more than 5 state filings, and other issues unrelated to the preparation of a tax return or unrelated to business income/franchise taxes. TurboTax Live Assisted Business is currently available only in AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, and WY.

  • Audit Defense: Audit Defense is a third-party add-on service provided, for an additional fee, by TaxResources, Inc., dba Tax Audit. Audit Defense is included at no added cost with business returns filed with TurboTax Live Business (excluding Sole Proprietor). See Membership Agreements at https://www.intuit.com/legal/terms/ for service terms and conditions.

TURBOTAX DESKTOP GUARANTEES

TurboTax Desktop Individual Returns:

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee - Individual Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Excludes payment plans. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement for details.

  • Maximum Refund Guarantee / Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - or Your Money Back - Individual Returns: If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method by filing an amended return, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state software license purchase price you paid. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement for details.

  • Audit Support Guarantee - Individual Returns: If you receive an audit letter from the IRS or State Department of Revenue based on your 2024 TurboTax individual tax return, we will provide one-on-one question-and-answer support with a tax professional, if requested through our Audit Support Center, for audited individual returns filed with TurboTax Desktop for the current 2024 tax year and, for individual, non-business returns, for the past two tax years (2022, 2023). Audit support is informational only. We will not represent you before the IRS or state tax authority or provide legal advice. If we are not able to connect you to one of our tax professionals, we will refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state license purchase price you paid. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee/ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with TurboTax Desktop software, go to refundrequest.intuit.com within 60 days of purchase and follow the process listed to submit a refund request. You must return this product using your license code or order number and dated receipt. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

TurboTax Desktop Business Returns:

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee - Business Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Excludes payment plans. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - Business Returns: If you get a smaller tax due (or larger business tax refund) from another tax preparation method using the same data, TurboTax will refund the applicable TurboTax Business Desktop license purchase price you paid. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee/ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with TurboTax Desktop software, go to refundrequest.intuit.com within 60 days of purchase and follow the process listed to submit a refund request. You must return this product using your license code or order number and dated receipt. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

TURBOTAX DESKTOP DISCLAIMERS

  • Installation Requirements: Product download, installation and activation requires an Intuit Account and internet connection. Product limited to one account per license code. You must accept the TurboTax License Agreement to use this product. Not for use by paid preparers.

  • TurboTax Desktop Products: Price includes tax preparation and printing of federal tax returns and free federal e-file of up to 5 federal tax returns. Additional fees apply for e-filing state returns. E-file fees may not apply in certain states, check here for details. Savings and price comparison based on anticipated price increase. Software updates and optional online features require internet connection. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

  • Fastest Refund Possible: Get your tax refund from the IRS as fast as possible by e-filing and choosing to receive your refund by direct deposit. Tax refund time frames will vary. The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

  • Average Refund Amount: $3,207 is the average refund amount American taxpayers received in the 2024 filing season based upon IRS data as of February 16, 2024 and may not reflect actual refund amount received.

  • TurboTax Technical Support: Customer service and technical support hours and options vary by time of year.

  • Deduct From Your Federal Refund: Individual taxes only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Additional terms apply. A $40 Refund Processing Service fee applies to this payment. method. Prices are subject to change without notice.

  • Data Import: Imports financial data from participating companies; Requires Intuit Account. Quicken and QuickBooks import not available with TurboTax installed on a Mac. Imports from Quicken (2022 and higher) and QuickBooks Desktop (2023 and higher); both Windows only. Quicken import not available for TurboTax Desktop Business. Quicken products provided by Quicken Inc., Quicken import subject to change.

  • Live Tax Advice: Access to tax experts to obtain answers to tax questions and to assist with tax year 2024 return(s) prepared with TurboTax Desktop software. Additional fees apply. Must be purchased and used by October 31, 2025. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business. See License Agreement for details.

  • Audit Defense: Audit Defense is a third-party add-on service provided, for a fee, by TaxResources, Inc., dba Tax Audit. See Membership Agreements at https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/softwarelicense/ for service terms and conditions.

All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

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