One Smart Tax Move to Make After Tax Season: Set Up an IRS IP PIN

A cellphone laying on a desk with airpods, a pencil, and glasses shows a screen with a lock on it, symbolizing how an Identity Protection PIN with the IRS can protect your return from fraudulent activity.

Tax season may be behind us, but there’s still one simple step you can take now to help protect your tax account next year: create an IRS Identity Protection PIN, commonly called an “IP PIN.”

An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS that helps confirm your identity when a federal tax return is filed using your Social Security number. Think of it as an extra layer of security for your tax filings — similar to two-factor authentication for an online account.

While IP PINs were originally designed for taxpayers who experienced identity theft, the IRS now allows almost anyone to voluntarily enroll. More tax professionals are encouraging clients to use them as a best practice, even if they’ve never had an issue before.

Why consider an IP PIN?

The biggest benefit is simple: it helps prevent someone else from filing a federal tax return using your information.

When you file your return, the IRS requires the correct six-digit PIN before accepting it electronically. Without that number, a return using your Social Security number will generally be rejected.

For many taxpayers, it’s an easy way to add another layer of protection to an already important part of their financial life.

How to get an IP PIN

The fastest way is through your IRS online account at IRS.gov.

If you already have an IRS account, you can log in and request your IP PIN in just a few minutes. If you do not yet have an account, the IRS will guide you through an identity verification process, typically using ID.me.

Once enrolled, the IRS issues a new IP PIN each calendar year.

A few important things to know

  • Your IP PIN is used only for federal tax returns.

  • You’ll receive a new PIN each year.

  • You must provide the PIN when filing your tax return.

  • Married couples filing jointly will each use their own IP PIN if both are enrolled.

  • Parents can also request IP PINs for dependents.

It’s also important to keep your IP PIN secure. The IRS will never call, text, or email asking for it.

Setting up an IP PIN is not urgent or required for most taxpayers. However, it’s becoming an increasingly common recommendation as part of good tax hygiene. We strongly encourage our clients to implement this added layer of security.

Silvia Evanstaxes, security, cyber security