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

An IRS Identity PIN is a six-digit number the IRS assigns to you to prevent someone else from filing a tax return in your name. If you have been a victim of tax-related identity theft, or if the IRS suspects your account has been compromised, they will issue you a PIN and require you to enter it on your return every year. Without the correct PIN, your return will be rejected.

You do not request a PIN under normal circumstances. The IRS sends one only after they detect fraudulent activity on your account or after you report identity theft to them. If you have already received a letter from the IRS saying you need a PIN, or if you are trying to file a return and the IRS rejected it because a PIN was required, this guide explains how to obtain it.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS issues Identity PINs only after detecting or confirming tax-related identity theft on your account.
  • You can request a PIN by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-4490, by mailing Form 14039 to the IRS, or by creating an account on IRS.gov and checking your online tax records.
  • If you have already received a PIN notice from the IRS, your PIN is printed in that letter and you do not need to request a new one.
  • The process to obtain a PIN typically takes several weeks by mail and may be faster by phone if you can verify your identity with the IRS.
  • You will need to provide proof of identity and may need to file a police report or Federal Trade Commission report if identity theft occurred.

Check whether the IRS has already sent you a PIN

Before you contact the IRS, look for a letter in the mail. If the IRS has issued you a PIN, they send it by mail in a letter marked "Important Tax Return Information." The letter will state that a PIN is required and will include the six-digit number you need to enter on your tax return. Keep this letter in a safe place.

If you received such a letter and have misplaced the PIN, you can retrieve it by logging into your IRS account on IRS.gov. Go to the "View Your Tax Account" section and look for the PIN listed there. You do not need to request a new one.

Request a PIN by phone

Call the IRS 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 IRS representative will ask you questions to verify your identity, such as information from your previous tax returns or your address history.

If you can answer these questions correctly, the IRS may issue you a PIN over the phone or tell you one has already been assigned to your account. Write down any PIN you receive and keep it with your tax documents. If the IRS cannot verify your identity by phone, they will direct you to submit Form 14039 by mail instead.

Request a PIN by mail using Form 14039

Form 14039, "Identity Theft Affidavit," is the official form for reporting identity theft to the IRS and requesting a PIN. You can read it from IRS.gov or request a copy by calling 1-800-829-3676. Fill out the form completely, including your name, Social Security number, and a description of the identity theft or suspicious activity you experienced.

Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the form instructions. The address varies by state. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID and any supporting documents, such as a police report, a Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Report, or correspondence from creditors about fraudulent accounts. The IRS will review your submission and mail you a PIN within several weeks. Do not send original documents; send copies only.

Check your IRS account online

Create or log into your account on IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. Once logged in, go to "View Your Tax Account" and select the year in question. If the IRS has issued you a PIN, it will appear on that page under "Your Identity PIN."

This method works only if you have already set up an IRS online account. If you have not, you will need to verify your identity first, which can take a few days. Once your account is active, you can check for your PIN at any time without calling or mailing forms.

What to do if you do not receive a PIN after requesting one

If you submitted Form 14039 by mail and have not heard back after four weeks, call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to check the status. Have your form submission date and any confirmation number ready. The IRS may ask you to resubmit the form if it was lost or damaged in transit.

If you are trying to file your tax return and it was rejected because a PIN is required but you have not yet received one, you can file by mail instead. Print your return, sign it, and mail it to the IRS address for your state. Include a note explaining that you requested a PIN but have not yet received it. The IRS will process your return once your PIN is issued.

Protecting your account after receiving a PIN

Once you have your PIN, treat it like a password. Do not share it with anyone, including tax preparers, unless you are certain they are legitimate. When you file your return, enter the PIN exactly as it appears in the IRS letter or in your online account. A single digit wrong will cause your return to be rejected.

Keep your PIN in a find location and update it if the IRS sends you a new one. If you suspect someone has learned your PIN, call the IRS when ready at 1-800-908-4490 to report it and request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PIN if I have not been a victim of identity theft?

No. The IRS issues PINs only to people whose accounts show signs of fraud or who have reported identity theft. If you have not received a letter from the IRS about a PIN, you do not need one and should not try to obtain one.

Can a tax preparer request a PIN on my behalf?

No. Only you can request a PIN from the IRS. A tax preparer can help you gather documents and fill out Form 14039, but you must sign the form and submit it yourself. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information with anyone.

What if I lost the letter with my PIN in it?

Log into your IRS account on IRS.gov and check "View Your Tax Account." Your PIN will be listed there. If you cannot access your online account, call 1-800-908-4490 and the IRS can read your PIN to you after verifying your identity.

How long does it take to get a PIN?

By phone, you may receive a PIN the same day if the IRS can verify your identity. By mail, expect four to six weeks. If you need to file your return before your PIN arrives, you can file by mail and include a note explaining the situation.

Will I need a PIN every year?

Yes. Once the IRS issues you a PIN due to identity theft, you will need to enter it on every tax return you file going forward. The IRS will send you a new PIN each year by mail, usually in January or February.