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IRS Identity Protection PIN can help avoid fraud and tax-related identity theft

The IRS is reminding taxpayers they can get extra protection against identity theft during the 2024 tax season by joining the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program. 


The IRS IP PIN is a special six-digit number available to anyone who has a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). More than 8.1 million taxpayers are now protecting themselves against tax-related identity theft by participating in the IP PIN program. 


An easy, but important step for taxpayers to take to protect their information is by obtaining an IP PIN from the IRS. 


The IP PIN helps prevent criminals from filling fraudulent federal income tax returns or stealing refunds using taxpayer's personal information. IP PINs are unique because they are known only to the taxpayer and the IRS. 


The IP PIN program is completely voluntary and available to anyone with an SSN or an ITIN that can successfully verify their identity. More than 8.1 million taxpayers are now shielding themselves against tax-related identity theft by joining the IP PIN opt-in program. 


The quickest and easiest way to acquire an IP PIN is through the Get my IP PIN online tool, which is available from mid-January through mid-November. 


Here's how the IP PIN process works:


  • Taxpayers wanting to get an IP PIN should go to IRS.gov/ippin. 
  • Once an individual creates an account and completes the prompted steps the IP PIN will be revealed to them. 
  • Taxpayers should keep in mind that the IP PIN is only valid for one calendar year. Participating taxpayers must acquire a newly generated IP PIN each January. 


The IRS encourages any IP PIN applicant previously rejected during the identity authentication process to try applying again as the process continues to be refined. 


There are important things for taxpayers to remember to help them avoid fraud and tax-related identity theft. 


Taxpayers should remember: 


  • The IRS will never email, text or call to request an IP PIN. 
  • Taxpayers should not reveal their IP PIN to anyone but their trusted tax software provider or tax preparer. 
  • Neither a tax software provider nor a tax preparer should ask for an IP PIN except to complete a tax return. Individuals should protect their IP PIN from theft, especially scams. 
  • Taxpayers should enter their IP PIN on any return, whether it is filed electronically or on paper. This includes any amended returns or returns for prior years. Doing so will help avoid processing delays or having the return rejected by the IRS. 


Those who cannot pass the IRS online identity authentication process have two options: 



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