Tax Tip 2023-70: An Identity Protection PIN helps shield taxpayers from tax-related identity theft

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2023-70

An Identity Protection PIN helps shield taxpayers from tax-related identity theft

Identity Protection PINs stop identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns. Taxpayers who participate in this program are assigned a six-digit number that they use to prove their identity when they file their federal tax return. The IRS’s Identity Protection PIN is an added layer of security for taxpayers. In the recent past, the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee called the IP PIN, “The number one security tool currently available to taxpayers from the IRS.”

How to request an IP PIN

After a taxpayer verifies their identity, the Get an IP PIN tool allows people with a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number to request an IP PIN online. Taxpayers should review the identity verification requirements before they try to use the Get An IP PIN tool.

Tax pros should advise clients affected by identity theft to request an IP PIN. Even if a thief has already filed a fraudulent tax return, an IP PIN could prevent the taxpayer from being a repeat victim of tax-related identity theft.

Additional information about IP PINs

• An IP PIN is valid for one year. For security reasons, new IP PINs are generated each year. Some participants will receive their IP PIN in the mail, while others will have to log in to the Get an IP PIN tool to see their current IP PIN.
• Enrolled taxpayers can log back in to the Get an IP PIN tool to see their current IP PIN.
• Taxpayers with an IP PIN must use it when filing any federal tax returns during the year, including prior year tax returns or amended returns. 
• IP PIN users should share their number only with the IRS and their tax preparation provider. The IRS will never call, email or text a request for the IP PIN.
• Taxpayers can get an IP PIN now for 2023. The IRS will issue new IP PINs starting in January 2024.

Taxpayers who can't validate their identity online can still get an IP PIN

Taxpayers who can't validate their identity online and whose income is below a certain threshold can file Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number. The 2023 threshold is $73,000 for individuals or $146,000 for married filing jointly.

Once the IRS receives the form, a representative will call the taxpayer at the phone number they provided to validate their identity. Once verified, the taxpayer will get an IP PIN in the mail, usually within four to six weeks.

Taxpayers who can't validate their identity online or by phone, those who are ineligible to file a Form 15227, or are having or technical difficulties can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. They will need to bring one current government-issued picture ID and another identification document to prove their identity. Once verified, the taxpayer will get an IP PIN in the mail, usually within three weeks.

More information:
IP PIN Opt-In Program for Taxpayers (English/Spanish Version), Publication 5367 (en-sp)
Safeguarding Taxpayer Data, Publication 4557
Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals, Publication 5293 
Identity Theft Central

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