The IRS IP PIN is a valuable tool to safeguard your tax related information and it prevents someone from filing a tax return on your behalf using your SSN or ITIN. This PIN can be requested through various methods while the online method is fast and convenient.
It’s necessary to retrieve your IP PIN each year because it is valid for only one year. If you have lost your PIN, then you can also retrieve it through different means. If you do it by phone then it can take almost 21 days for the IRS to mail it. Anyone who has SSN or ITIN and want to prevent fraudulent tax returns can request it from the IRS.
IRS PIN Request
A six-digits number that prevents someone from misusing your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) for filing federal tax returns is known as an Identity Protection PIN. This PIN is assigned by the IRS to you and it helps the IRS to verify your identity during tax return.
If you do not have an IP PIN then request it soon to protect yourself from identity theft because the tax season is very close to you. If you already have an IP PIN then retrieve it each calendar year because the IRS will mail it to you. The step by step process to get or retrieve this PIN is given in this article.
Purpose of IRS IP PIN
After getting your IP PIN, you must use it at the time of filing a federal tax return. The validity of this PIN remains for only one year and individuals have to generate a new PIN each year. It’s crucial to enter the correct PIN number to avoid rejection, delays and processing of your tax return.
The main purpose of this PIN is to protect taxpayers from fraudulent tax filing using someone else’s SSN or ITIN. This PIN is just like a security layer that helps your tax return to not be stolen. If you lose or did not receive your IP PIN with IRS CP01A Notice, then you can retrieve it through an IRS online account or calling assistance.
How to request an IRS PIN?
Individuals who want to request for IP IRS PIN must follow below given steps.
- Individuals have to go to this page firstly, https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin then click on “Get An ID PIN” after reading all guidelines.
- Individuals must have an ID.me account to get this PIN otherwise they have to create an account to request this PIN.
- After log in, individuals have to provide all required information to request IP PIN and the IP will be immediately displayed on your screen.
- Individuals can also mail Form 15227 to the IRS if their identity is not verified online or they may make an appointment for an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center if their identity is not verified through both methods.
How can I retrieve my IRS IP PIN?
You can retrieve your IP PIN if the IRS has provided it to you but you lost it or received it without CP01A Notice. Retrieving your IRS IP PIN is crucial each year so do it through below given methods.
Online:
- Individuals have to go to the IRS online account website and sign in with the required details.
- Individuals who do not have this account create it to retrieve their IP PIN.
- After login, you can retrieve your PIN online.
By Phone:
- Individuals have to dial 800-908-4490 for specialized assistance and international users can call at 1-267-941-1000 to retrieve their IP PIN if they are unable to do it online. Your IP PIN will be mailed to you by the IRS in just 21 days after verification of your identity.
Who can request an IRS PIN Request?
The eligibility criteria to request an IRS PIN is quite easy so check it from below.
- Anyone who has a Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) can request it from the IRS , including those who are living abroad.
- The IRS automatically mails this PIN to confirmed victims of tax-related identity theft each year.
- Each member of any family must have this PIN if they file joint returns.
What if my IRS PIN is incorrect on my tax return?
If you put IRS PIN incorrectly on your tax return, then the results can be shocking as:
- E-File Rejection: You will receive a rejection notice if you file your tax returns with an incorrect IP PIN and you have to submit your tax returns again with correct PIN.
- Paper File Delay: If you file a paper return with an incorrect IP PIN, your return can face delays in processing and verification. The IRS can request the correct PIN number in such cases to verify your identity.
