How Do I Get an IP PIN? Securing Your Taxes
This article explains how to get an IP PIN, a six-digit number assigned by the IRS to help protect you from tax-related identity theft. It details the eligibility requirements and steps involved in obtaining this valuable safeguard.
Understanding the IP PIN and Its Importance
Tax-related identity theft is a growing concern, with fraudsters using stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. The IRS has developed the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) as a crucial tool to combat this type of crime. Think of it as an extra layer of security on top of your Social Security number.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number that the IRS assigns annually to eligible taxpayers. When you file your federal tax return, you must provide this IP PIN to verify your identity. Without the correct IP PIN, the IRS will reject your return, preventing fraudulent returns from being processed in your name. Knowing how do I get an IP PIN and securing one is a proactive step towards protecting your financial well-being.
Benefits of Having an IP PIN
Obtaining an IP PIN offers several significant advantages:
- Protection from Fraudulent Returns: It prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your tax information is more secure provides a sense of relief.
- Preventing Refund Delays: By ensuring only your legitimate return is processed, you avoid delays caused by the IRS investigating potential fraud.
- Reduced Risk of Identity Theft: While it doesn’t eliminate all forms of identity theft, it significantly reduces the risk of tax-related identity theft.
Steps to Obtain an IP PIN: The IRS Online Tool
The most common and efficient way to get an IP PIN is through the IRS’s Get An IP PIN tool, available online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the IRS Website: Go to IRS.gov and search for “Get An IP PIN”.
- Create or Log in to an IRS Account: You will need an existing IRS account or create a new one through ID.me. ID.me is a trusted technology provider for secure digital identity.
- Verify Your Identity: The ID.me process involves verifying your identity through various methods, such as providing a photo ID and taking a selfie or video.
- Receive Your IP PIN: Once your identity is verified, the IRS will immediately provide you with your IP PIN. It is crucial to keep this number safe and secure.
Applying for an IP PIN via Form 15227: Alternative Options
If you cannot verify your identity online through ID.me, you can apply for an IP PIN by filing Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). This is generally the fallback option when the online tool is inaccessible or unavailable.
Here’s how:
- Download Form 15227: Find the form on the IRS website.
- Complete the Form: Fill out all required information accurately and completely.
- Attach Required Documents: You’ll need to provide proof of identity and residency, such as copies of your driver’s license, Social Security card, and utility bills.
- Mail the Form: Mail the completed form and supporting documentation to the address listed in the form’s instructions.
- IRS Review: The IRS will review your application and verify your identity.
- IP PIN Assignment: If approved, the IRS will mail you a CP01A Notice with your IP PIN by December.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for and using an IP PIN is relatively straightforward, but certain mistakes can cause delays or complications:
- Incorrect Information: Providing inaccurate or incomplete information on Form 15227 or during online identity verification.
- Lost IP PIN: Losing or misplacing your IP PIN. The IRS does not reissue IP PINs via phone. If you lose your CP01A notice, you’ll need to retrieve it through your IRS online account or wait for the next year’s CP01A to arrive.
- Using the Wrong IP PIN: Entering an incorrect IP PIN on your tax return.
- Filing Late: If applying by mail, allow sufficient time for the IRS to process your application and send you your IP PIN before the tax filing deadline.
- Sharing Your IP PIN: Never share your IP PIN with anyone except your tax preparer, and only if you trust them implicitly.
Who Is Eligible for an IP PIN?
While the Get An IP PIN tool is available to anyone who can successfully authenticate their identity, those who are not required to have one may not always be eligible. Taxpayers who have been victims of identity theft involving their tax returns or who live in areas with a high risk of identity theft are often automatically enrolled in the IP PIN program by the IRS. These individuals will receive a notification from the IRS with instructions on how do I get an IP PIN for subsequent years.
Renewal Process
An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year. The IRS will automatically provide you with a new IP PIN each year, typically via a CP01A Notice. You can also retrieve it from your IRS online account. The process of how do I get an IP PIN is repeated annually.
| Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Tool | Use the IRS Get An IP PIN tool on IRS.gov. | Fast, convenient, instant access to your IP PIN. | Requires successful identity verification through ID.me; not available to everyone. |
| Form 15227 | File Form 15227 and mail it to the IRS. | Available to those who can’t verify online. | Slower process, requires mailing documents, potential delays. |
| Auto-Enrollment | Taxpayers notified by the IRS after being victims of identity theft. | Proactive protection provided by the IRS. | Not available to everyone; requires prior victimization. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is ID.me, and why do I need it to get an IP PIN online?
ID.me is a trusted technology provider that the IRS uses for secure identity verification. Using ID.me helps the IRS ensure that only authorized individuals are accessing sensitive information like IP PINs, thereby enhancing the security of the Get An IP PIN process.
What if I don’t have a Social Security number?
Generally, you need a Social Security number to get an IP PIN. However, in some limited circumstances, the IRS may issue an IP PIN to individuals with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but this is rare and typically involves prior identity theft incidents.
What if I forgot my IP PIN?
You can retrieve your IP PIN from your IRS online account. The IRS does not provide IP PINs over the phone. If you have lost your CP01A notice and cannot access your online account, you will need to wait for the next year’s CP01A notice.
Do I need an IP PIN every year?
Yes, the IRS issues a new IP PIN each year. You will receive a CP01A Notice with your new IP PIN, or you can retrieve it from your IRS online account each filing season. Therefore, knowing how do I get an IP PIN is relevant every year.
Can my spouse or dependents also get an IP PIN?
Yes, your spouse and dependents can apply for an IP PIN if they can successfully verify their identity through the IRS’s online tool or by filing Form 15227. Each individual must apply separately.
Is getting an IP PIN mandatory?
No, unless you are notified by the IRS that you are required to use one. However, anyone can voluntarily apply, and it is highly recommended, especially if you are concerned about identity theft.
How long does it take to get an IP PIN by mail?
It can take several weeks for the IRS to process Form 15227 and mail you the CP01A Notice with your IP PIN. The IRS generally sends these notices out by December.
What happens if I enter the wrong IP PIN on my tax return?
If you enter an incorrect IP PIN, the IRS will reject your return. You will need to correct the IP PIN and resubmit your return.
Can I get an IP PIN for my business?
No, IP PINs are currently only available for individual taxpayers. They are designed to protect individual tax returns.
Is there a fee to get an IP PIN?
No, obtaining an IP PIN from the IRS is completely free of charge. Beware of any websites or services that try to charge you a fee for an IP PIN.
If I get an IP PIN, will I still need to take other precautions against identity theft?
Yes, getting an IP PIN is just one step in protecting yourself from identity theft. You should also take other precautions, such as safeguarding your personal information, monitoring your credit reports, and being cautious of phishing scams.
If I have an IP PIN, can someone still steal my identity and file a fraudulent return?
While an IP PIN significantly reduces the risk, it’s not foolproof. It prevents fraudulent returns from being processed using your Social Security number, but it doesn’t prevent identity theft in other areas. The IP PIN is a strong deterrent against tax refund fraud.