🔢 How to Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN
An IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that helps prevent another person from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or ITIN. A new PIN is issued for each calendar year.
The fastest method is the official Get an IP PIN service with identity verification. Alternative options may include Form 15227 for eligible taxpayers or an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Keep the number private. The IRS says it should be shared only with a trusted tax professional when ready to prepare or file the return.
📋 Documents you'll need
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Valid tax-filing identity information
- IRS Online Account and identity-verification access for the online method
- Government-issued photo identification for an in-person request
- Form 15227 and telephone access if eligible for the alternative method
🪜 Step-by-step
- Open the Get an IP PIN page directly on IRS.gov.
- Review online and alternative eligibility and identity-verification options.
- Sign in to or create an IRS Online Account for the fastest method.
- Complete identity verification and retrieve the six-digit IP PIN.
- Store it securely and do not send it by ordinary email or text.
- Enter the current calendar year's IP PIN on every required federal return.
- Give it to a trusted preparer only when preparing the return.
- Retrieve the new PIN each year through the IRS account or official notice process.
| Estimated cost | Free through the IRS. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | The online method may provide the PIN immediately after successful verification. Alternative and in-person processes take longer. |
Frequently asked questions
Does an IP PIN stay the same?
No. The IRS issues a new six-digit IP PIN each calendar year.
Will the IRS call or email asking for it?
The IRS warns that unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for an IP PIN are scams.
What if I lose the PIN?
Use the official IRS retrieval process before filing; do not guess or reuse a prior-year PIN.