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- Anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity may request a free six-digit IRS IP PIN, even without a previous identity-theft case.
- The fastest option is enrollment through an IRS Online Account, where you can choose continuous enrollment or a one-time IP PIN for the current calendar year.
- A missing or incorrect IP PIN can cause an e-file rejection or delay a paper return, so retrieve the current number before filing.
What the IRS IP PIN does
An IRS Identity Protection PIN, usually called an IP PIN, is a free six-digit number that helps the IRS confirm you’re the person filing a federal tax return under your Social Security number or ITIN. It’s designed to stop someone else from filing a fraudulent return in your name.
You don’t have to be a confirmed identity-theft victim to request one. As of 2026, any taxpayer with an SSN or ITIN who can complete the IRS identity-verification process may voluntarily enroll. The program is for U.S. federal tax returns; it isn’t a Canadian CRA registration.
The IRS issues a new IP PIN every year. If you enroll online, you generally retrieve the new number through your IRS account in mid- to late January rather than waiting for a mailed notice.
Should you get an IRS IP PIN?
For many taxpayers, an IP PIN is worth considering if your SSN or ITIN has been exposed in a data breach, you’ve experienced identity theft, or you want an extra authentication step on future federal returns. Parents may also want to understand the program when a dependent has an IP PIN requirement.
The trade-off is simple but important: once you have an IP PIN, you must enter the correct current-year number on the federal returns covered by the program. Losing the number or entering an old one can create extra work at filing time.
| Situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| You voluntarily enroll | You’ll use a new IP PIN each calendar year and must retrieve it annually. |
| The IRS assigns you one after identity theft | You must use it when filing covered federal returns unless the IRS tells you otherwise. |
| You file jointly | Each spouse with an IP PIN must enter their own number. |
| You file a paper return | An incorrect or missing IP PIN may delay processing while the IRS verifies your identity. |
Who qualifies for an IRS IP PIN?
Anyone with a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may enroll if they can verify their identity. The IRS also automatically enrolls certain confirmed identity-theft victims.
Identity verification is the key requirement. The online route uses an IRS Online Account and identity-proofing process. If that route doesn’t work, the IRS provides slower alternatives, but each has its own conditions.
Alternative options if online verification fails
- Form 15227: You may use the online form if you have an SSN or ITIN, access to a telephone, and adjusted gross income below $84,000 for an individual or $168,000 for married filing jointly on your last filed return.
- Taxpayer Assistance Center: If you can’t use the online account or Form 15227, you may schedule an in-person appointment. Bring the identity documents the IRS requests.
Form 15227 is for requesting a new IP PIN. Don’t use it to recover a number that the IRS has already assigned to you; use the retrieval process instead.
Find an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center
Submit IRS Form 15227 online
How to enroll online
The online method is normally the quickest way to receive an IP PIN. Have your personal information available, then follow these steps:
- Open the IRS page for getting an Identity Protection PIN.
- Sign in to your IRS Online Account, or create and verify an account if you don’t already have one.
- Open the Profile section and find the IP PIN option.
- Choose either continuous enrollment or one-time enrollment.
- Record the six-digit IP PIN securely. Don’t post it, email it casually, or share it with anyone who doesn’t need it to prepare or file your return.
Continuous enrollment keeps you in the program for future years. One-time enrollment applies to the current calendar year and automatically opts you out at the end of that year.
What dependents and spouses need to know
Each taxpayer has an individual IP PIN. On a joint return, both spouses must provide their own numbers if both have been issued one.
An adult dependent who already has an IRS Online Account can request an IP PIN directly. An adult dependent without an account must complete the IRS identity-verification process before requesting one.
For a dependent under 18, or someone who can’t establish an ID.me account, a parent or legal guardian may submit Form 15227 or request an in-person Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment. The IRS may require proof of the dependent’s identity and proof of legal guardianship.
If you e-file a return claiming a dependent who has an IP PIN, the dependent’s number must be entered where the tax software requests it. A missing dependent IP PIN can cause the electronic return to be rejected. Paper-return rules are different: the IRS says a dependent’s IP PIN generally doesn’t need to be entered on a paper return.
How to use the IP PIN when filing
Use the current-year IP PIN for federal Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, 1040-SS and 1040-X. The same current-year number is used for current-year, prior-year and amended returns filed during that calendar year.
Your tax software or preparer should provide a field for the Identity Protection PIN. If you’re filing on paper, enter the number in the IP PIN area of the Form 1040 signature section.
An incorrect IP PIN on an e-filed return generally leads to a rejection, after which you’ll need to correct the number and resubmit. On a paper return, an incorrect or missing number can lead to additional identity verification and slower processing.
An IP PIN doesn’t guarantee a faster refund. Returns with an IP PIN go through the same validity checks as other returns, and refund timing still depends on the information in the return and any other review the IRS requires.
What to do if you lose your IP PIN
Don’t guess the number or use last year’s PIN. Sign in to your IRS Online Account and open the Profile page to retrieve the current IP PIN.
A minor dependent’s IP PIN cannot be retrieved online. For that situation, or if you can’t access your account, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. Representatives are generally available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time; Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time. After successful phone verification, the IRS says it can mail the PIN to the address on record within 21 days.
If you file electronically without a required IP PIN, the return may be rejected. If you file on paper without it, the IRS may review the return to verify that you filed it, which can delay your refund.
Important security reminders
- The IRS won’t call, email, text or contact you through social media to ask for your IP PIN.
- Don’t give the number to a stranger who claims to be from the IRS.
- You may provide it to a trusted tax preparer or tax software provider when it’s needed to prepare and submit your return.
- Keep the number in a secure place until you’re ready to file.
- If you voluntarily enrolled and later want to leave the program, check the IP PIN section of your IRS account. An opt-out may take up to 72 hours before electronic filing works without an IP PIN.
The safest next step is to use the IRS Online Account route first. If identity verification fails, use Form 15227 only when you meet its requirements; otherwise, schedule a Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment rather than relying on an unofficial service.
Helpful Links
- IRS Identity Protection PIN information – Review the IRS enrollment options and identity-verification requirements.
- IRS IP PIN frequently asked questions – Check official answers about dependents, filing, lost PINs, opt-out rules and rejected returns.
- IRS Form 15227 online application – Use this official application only if you cannot complete online identity verification and meet the income requirements.
- IRS Retrieve your IP PIN – Recover a current IP PIN through an IRS Online Account or review the phone-reissue instructions.
- Online Account for Individuals – Official page referenced in the article.
- Taxpayer Assistance Center Office Locator – Official page referenced in the article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does an IRS IP PIN expire?
A. The number is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued. The IRS generates a new IP PIN each year, so don’t reuse last year’s number.
Q. Can I get an IRS IP PIN if I live outside the United States?
A. Yes. The IRS says taxpayers with an SSN or ITIN may request an IP PIN, including taxpayers living abroad, as long as they can complete the required identity verification.
Q. Will an IP PIN protect my state tax return?
A. No. The IRS IP PIN is used for specified federal income tax returns. It isn’t entered on a state tax return or on Form 4868 for a federal filing extension.
Q. Can a tax professional request an IP PIN for me?
A. No. A tax professional cannot request the number on your behalf, but you can give your IP PIN to a trusted preparer when it is needed to complete and file your federal return.
