American taxpayers are now proactive in protecting their tax returns by receiving an IRS Identity Protection PIN from the agency’s improved online system, which prevents fraudulent filings before they happen. This is a six-digit security code that adds a layer of verification that prevents criminals from filing fake returns using stolen Social Security numbers. Understanding the enrollment process, verification needs, and annual retrieval process means that taxpayers can defend their refunds without compromising seamless filing experiences for the upcoming tax season.
What an IP PIN is and why it matters
The advanced fraud prevention solution responds to the rise in identity theft related to taxes – a crime that costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year in delayed refunds and administrative inconvenience. Prevent tax identity theft measures have undergone major transformations as criminals develop more advanced ways of exploiting personal information that is stolen through data breaches and social engineering attacks.
This active security mindset acknowledges that it is no longer possible to sufficiently protect taxpayers from the most advanced fraud schemes that aim at tax refunds and their personal data using only traditional verification methods.
How the six-digit IP PIN prevents e-filed identity theft
Each year, the IRS issues unique six-digit codes that must be entered on tax returns in order to verify the tax filer’s identity and allow processing of the return. IRS Identity Protection PIN technology provides an added security barrier to stop unauthorized people from successfully filing returns with stolen personal information.
Security features include:
- Annual Generation: New PINs are generated each year for tax purposes for security
- Required Entry: To be included on all tax returns to be processed
- Individual Assignment: Individual PINs for each taxpayer, spouse, and dependent
- Fraud Protection: Denies unauthorized returns for processing
The program automatically denies any return that is not accompanied by the correct PIN, which successfully prevents fraudulent refund claims even if criminals have complete personal information.
Who can opt in (taxpayers, spouses, and dependents)
IRS Online Account IP PIN enrollment is now available to eligible taxpayers, including married couples filing jointly and eligible dependents who are under age 25 and meet age and income requirements. A voluntary program, the scheme enables families to insure several family members through centralized enrollment.
Eligible participants include:
| Taxpayer Type | Eligibility Requirements | Enrollment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Taxpayer | Valid SSN, identity verification | Online account |
| Spouse | Joint filing, separate verification | Individual online account |
| Dependents 16+ | Income threshold met | Online account |
| Dependents Under 16 | Parent/guardian request | Phone enrollment |
Documents and accounts that you need
IRS Online Account (ID verification required)
The main source of IP PIN services is to secure IRS Online Accounts that use multi-factor authentication and identity verification. IRS Online Account IP PIN functionality works with existing taxpayer services while ensuring higher security standards.
Account setup requirements:
- Identity Verification: Multi-step verification using personal details and bank account details
- Upload Documents: Identifying documents and supporting documents
- Security Questions: Identification by credit reporting agencies.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Account access via phone or e-mail
The verification process usually takes 10-15 minutes, but it can take some steps for the taxpayers with low credit history or if they have recently changed their addresses.
Photo ID and personal info for identity proofing
Preventing tax identity theft verification requires government-issued photo identification and full personal information establishing the identity of legitimate taxpayers. The system cross-references several databases to verify the authenticity of the applicant.
Identifying verification information:
Government Photo ID: Driver’s license, state ID, or passport
Social Security Number: Fill in a nine-digit number for primary verification
Filing History: Previous tax return information for identity confirmation
Financial Information: Bank account, credit card, or loan information
How to get your IP PIN online (step by step)
Sign in to IRS Online Account
Go to the official IRS website and log in to the secure online account portal via the taxpayer services. IRS Online Account IP PIN starts with regular login procedures with existing credentials and multi-factor authentication.
The login process includes:
Username and Password: Credentials of the already created account
Multi-Factor Authentication: Phone, Email verification code
Security Questions: Extra security check if necessary
Account Dashboard: Potential for access to all available taxpayer services
Select Get an IP PIN
The Retrieve IP PIN online functionality has a very prominent presence on the account dashboard under the security or profile sections. The system shows the up-to-date status of enrollment and includes easy-to-follow directions for new enrollment or yearly retrieval of PIN.
Navigation steps:
Dashboard Access: Locate the IP PIN section on the main account page
Enrollment Status: Review current PIN status and expiration dates
Service Selection: Select “Get an IP PIN” for new enrollment
Terms Acceptance: Accept program terms & conditions
Complete identity verification and receive your current-year PIN
Prevent tax identity theft verification takes place in the form of automated systems that verify the information provided against a variety of authoritative databases. In the case of successful verification, the current-year PIN is immediately generated for filing of tax.
Verification completion (includes the following):
Information Confirmation: Review and Verification of all the information entered
Database Verification: Automated Compare to IRS and Credit
PIN Generation: Immediate Generation of a six-digit protection code
Confirmation Display: Certain current year PIN is displayed
Save the PIN and use it on your 2024 return filed in 2025
IRS Identity Protection PIN storage requires secure methods that ensure availability during tax preparation while protecting against unauthorized access. The PIN must be entered on all returns filed during the corresponding tax year.
PIN management includes:
Secure Storage: Store PIN in secure documents or password managers
Tax Software Entry: PIN in all electronic filing software
Paper Return Usage: Paper forms should have the PIN written in the appropriate areas
Amendment Requirements: Use the same PIN for any amended returns
How to obtain or reset your IP PIN
Use the Online Account to retrieve the IP PIN each calendar year
IRS Online Account IP PIN retrieval is done yearly as new PINs are generated for every tax filing season. The system normally makes new PINs available in mid-January for the next filing period.
Annual retrieval process:
Account Access: Starting my existing IRS Online Account
PIN Retrieval: Go to the IP PIN section for the current year code.
Secure Presentation: Read six-digit PIN via encrypted connection
Tracking: New PIN to store for tax preparation
Special steps for minor dependents (phone support)
Prevent tax identity theft protection for minor dependents must use alternative enrollment methods when using online verification is not possible. Dependent PINs can also be requested by parents or guardians via special phone support services.
Dependent enrollment involves confirmation of parent/guardian identity, confirmation of dependent information, issuance of a PIN over the phone, and annual renewal over the phone. Phone enrollment usually takes 15-30 minutes and requires the same documentation as online applications, but it can be used for situations where dependents are unable to do independent verification.
Successfully obtaining your IRS Identity Protection PIN for 2025 provides essential protection against tax-related identity theft while ensuring smooth filing experiences throughout the upcoming season. This proactive security solution revolutionizes tax preparation by introducing essential, verifiable layers of security that will prevent fraudulent returns before they affect the rights of the people who pay taxes. For detailed information on the program and to enroll in the program, visit the official IRS Identity Protection PIN resources page.
Disclaimer: The content of this guide is not intended to replace professional advice or official sources. It is for informational purposes only and should not be used to make economic or non-economic decisions.