How to Get Your IRS Identity Protection PIN

What an IRS Identity Protection PIN is and why you might need one

An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number the IRS issues to you to prevent someone else from filing a tax return in your name. Only you and the IRS know this number. When you file your return, you enter the PIN alongside your Social Security number, and the IRS system checks that it matches their records before accepting your return.

You need an IP PIN if the IRS has already notified you that your Social Security number was used to file a fraudulent return, or if you have been a victim of identity theft. Some people request one proactively even without fraud, as an extra security layer. The IRS also automatically issues IP PINs to certain taxpayers in high-risk situations.

Without your correct IP PIN, a fraudster cannot file a return using your name and number — the return will be rejected. This stops refund theft before it happens, rather than catching it after.

Key Takeaways

The IRS issues IP PINs by mail to your address on file, usually within two weeks of your request, and you must enter it when filing your return that year.
You can request an IP PIN online through the IRS website using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status, or by calling the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490.
If you have already been notified of identity theft or fraud, the IRS may have already sent you a PIN automatically — check your mail before requesting a new one.
Your IP PIN changes every year, so you will receive a new one by mail each January if you had one the previous year.
If you lose or forget your PIN before filing, you can retrieve it online or call the IRS to have a new one mailed to you.

How to request an IP PIN online

The fastest way to get an IP PIN is through the IRS's online tool at irs.gov/identity-protection-pin. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid mailing address. The tool verifies your identity by asking questions about your tax history or credit file.

Once you complete the verification, the IRS will display your IP PIN on screen when ready. Write it down or take a screenshot. The IRS will also mail a copy to your address on file within two weeks as a backup. If you do not receive the mailed copy within three weeks, call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline.

This online method works only if you have not already been the victim of identity theft reported to the IRS. If the IRS has a fraud flag on your account, you must use the phone or mail method instead.

Requesting an IP PIN by phone or mail

Call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready. The representative will verify your identity and issue you a PIN over the phone, then mail a written copy to you.

If you prefer to request by mail, send Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to the IRS address listed in the form's instructions. Include a copy of your police report if you have filed one for identity theft. Mail delivery takes longer — typically four to six weeks — so use this method only if you cannot call or use the online tool.

The phone method is usually fastest for people who have already reported fraud to the IRS or who cannot verify their identity online.

What to do if you have already received a PIN

If the IRS has already sent you an IP PIN because of fraud on your account, check your mail before requesting a new one. The IRS typically sends the PIN to the address on your most recent tax return. The letter will state the PIN clearly and explain that you must use it to file.

If you received a PIN last year and are filing again this year, the IRS will send you a new PIN by January. You cannot reuse last year's PIN. If you do not receive the new PIN by mid-January and need to file, call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline to retrieve it or request an expedited mailing.

Entering your IP PIN when you file

When you file your tax return — whether using tax software, a tax professional, or Form 1040 by hand — you will see a field for your IP PIN. Enter all six digits exactly as the IRS sent them to you. If you file electronically, the software will prompt you for it. If you file by mail, write it in the space marked "Identity Protection PIN" on your return.

Do not leave this field blank if you have a PIN. The IRS will reject your return if the PIN is missing or incorrect. If you cannot find your PIN before filing, retrieve it online or call the IRS before submitting your return.

What happens if you lose your PIN or file without it

If you misplace your PIN before filing, go to irs.gov/identity-protection-pin and use the retrieval tool to look it up. You will need to verify your identity again. The tool will display your current PIN on screen.

If you filed your return without entering your PIN when you should have, the IRS will reject it and mail you a notice. You will need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) and include your IP PIN. This delays your refund by several weeks. To avoid this, always retrieve your PIN before filing if you know you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IP PIN if I have never been a victim of identity theft?

No, you do not need one unless the IRS has notified you of fraud or you choose to request one for extra protection. Some people request one proactively, but it is not required. If you do request one, you must use it every year you have it, so consider whether you are willing to manage that before requesting.

Can someone else use my IP PIN to file a return in my name?

No. The PIN is tied to your Social Security number and address on file. A fraudster would need both your Social Security number and your IP PIN to file using your identity, which is much harder than using your number alone. That is the whole point of the PIN.

What if the IRS sends my IP PIN to the wrong address?

If you have moved and the IRS still has your old address on file, the PIN will go to that address. Update your address with the IRS before requesting a PIN, or use the online retrieval tool to display your PIN on screen instead of waiting for mail. You can update your address on irs.gov or by calling the IRS.

How long does it take to get an IP PIN by mail?

The IRS typically mails your PIN within two weeks of your request. If you request online and retrieve it when ready on screen, you have it right away. If you request by phone, the representative issues it on the call and mails a copy. If you request by mail using Form 14039, allow four to six weeks.

Can I file my return before my IP PIN arrives in the mail?

If you requested your PIN online and saw it on screen, yes — use that number to file. If you only have a mailed copy on the way and have not seen the number yet, no — wait for the mail or retrieve it online before filing. Filing without your PIN when you have one will cause your return to be rejected.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.