What Is an IRS PIN and Why the IRS Uses Them

An IRS PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a six-digit security code that the Internal Revenue Service creates for taxpayers. The IRS assigns this number to help prevent identity theft and tax fraud. Think of it as a password that proves you are who you say you are when you interact with the IRS.

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The IRS started using PINs more widely after identity theft became a major problem in the tax system. When someone steals your identity, they may try to file a fake tax return using your Social Security number to claim a refund. A PIN makes this much harder because the thief would need to know your unique six-digit code. According to IRS data, identity theft related to taxes affects hundreds of thousands of people each year, costing the government billions of dollars in fraudulent refunds.

The IRS creates PINs for different reasons depending on your situation. Some people receive a PIN because they previously experienced identity theft. Others get one because the IRS suspects their account may be at risk. In some cases, the IRS assigns a PIN to everyone in a certain group as a protective measure during periods of high fraud risk.

A PIN works alongside your Social Security number and other information. When you file taxes online, you enter both your Social Security number and your PIN. The IRS checks that both pieces of information match what they have on file. If someone tries to file a return using your information but doesn't have the correct PIN, the IRS will reject the false return.

The IRS currently uses two main types of PINs. The first is the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), which the IRS sends to taxpayers who have been victims of identity theft or who the agency believes are at high risk. The second is the Self-Selected PIN, which lets some taxpayers create their own PIN to add extra security to their account. Understanding which type applies to you helps you know how to file your taxes correctly.

Practical Takeaway: A PIN is a security tool that prevents criminals from filing false tax returns in your name. If you have received a PIN from the IRS or created one yourself, you will need to provide it when filing your taxes.

How to Get an IRS PIN or Create One Yourself

Getting an IRS PIN depends on your situation and whether the IRS has already assigned you one. If you have been a victim of identity theft or the IRS suspects your account is at risk, they will send you a PIN in the mail. This mailed PIN typically arrives in January or early February for that tax year. The IRS sends these PINs to the mailing address they have on file for you, so keeping your address current with the IRS is important.

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If you have not received a PIN from the IRS but want to create one for extra security, you may be able to set up a Self-Selected PIN. To do this, you would visit the IRS website at irs.gov and look for their PIN creation tool. The process involves verifying your identity using personal information the IRS already has about you, such as your filing status, tax data from previous years, or other details from your tax records. The tool walks you through these verification steps and then lets you create your own six-digit PIN.

Creating your own PIN gives you control over the code you will use. You can choose a number that is meaningful to you, though the IRS recommends avoiding obvious choices like your birthday or anniversary. After you create a PIN, write it down and store it somewhere safe. Losing your PIN can make it harder to file your taxes, so keeping a backup copy in a secure location is wise.

In some cases, you might lose or forget your PIN. If this happens, you can contact the IRS to request a new one. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, and they will verify your identity before helping you. The phone line is open during business hours. You can also mail a request to the IRS, though this takes longer than calling.

During tax season, the IRS sometimes receives a very high volume of PIN-related requests, which can cause delays. Planning ahead and requesting a new PIN early in the tax season can help you avoid waiting until the last moment. If you need to file your taxes before receiving your new PIN, you may need to file on paper instead of online, though this also takes longer to process.

Practical Takeaway: If the IRS mails you a PIN, watch for it in January or February. If you want to create your own PIN for security, visit irs.gov and use their PIN creation tool. Keep your PIN written down in a safe place so you do not lose it.

Understanding Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs)

An Identity Protection PIN, or IP PIN, is a special six-digit code the IRS creates and mails to you if you have been a victim of tax-related identity theft. The IRS also sends IP PINs to certain taxpayers who they believe are at higher risk of becoming victims. Unlike a Self-Selected PIN that you create yourself, an IP PIN is generated by the IRS and sent to you through the mail.

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When the IRS mails you an IP PIN, the letter includes your unique code and instructions on how to use it. You must enter this PIN when filing your tax return online or on paper. The IRS will not accept a tax return that claims to be from you if it does not include the correct IP PIN. This means that even if a criminal has stolen your Social Security number, they cannot file a false tax return in your name without the PIN.

IP PINs typically last for one full tax year. This means if you receive an IP PIN for the 2024 tax year, you will use that PIN for returns filed in 2024 and 2025 (covering 2024 income). After that year ends, the IP PIN expires. If the IRS determines you still need protection, they will mail you a new PIN for the following year.

The IP PIN process has helped reduce tax identity theft significantly. According to IRS reports, when someone has an IP PIN on their account, fraudulent return filing drops by more than 99 percent. This is because thieves know they cannot successfully file without the PIN. The IRS expanded the IP PIN program during recent years when fraud rates were particularly high.

One important thing to understand is that having an IP PIN does not mean your taxes are handled any differently otherwise. You still file your return the same way you normally would, using the same forms and deductions you are entitled to. The PIN is simply an extra security code you must include. It does not change how much you will owe or how much refund you will receive.

If you lose your IP PIN letter, you can request a replacement by contacting the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours, or visit an IRS office in person. You will need to verify your identity before the IRS will help you. Having your Social Security number and other personal information available when you call will speed up the process.

Practical Takeaway: An IP PIN is a security code the IRS mails to you if you have been a victim of identity theft or if the IRS thinks you might be at risk. You must enter this PIN on your tax return. IP PINs change each year and last for one full tax year.

How to Use Your PIN When Filing Taxes

When you file your taxes online using tax software, the program will ask you to enter your PIN if you have one. The exact location where you enter the PIN depends on which software you use, but most programs ask for it in a section about identity verification or security information. You will typically need to enter your six-digit PIN in addition to your Social Security number.

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If you are using the IRS Free File program or IRS approved software, the process is straightforward. The software will have a specific field labeled "PIN" or "Identity Protection PIN" where you type in your six-digit code. Make sure you enter all six digits correctly, in the exact order they appear on your letter from the IRS or the PIN you created. Even one incorrect digit will cause your return to be rejected.

Filing on paper requires a different approach. If you are mailing a paper tax return and you have a PIN, you will write it in a specific box on your tax form. For most individual returns, this is on Form 1040. The form has a box labeled "Identity Protection PIN" where you enter your six-digit code. Again, accuracy is important because the IRS will check that the PIN you