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 require you to enter this PIN when you file. Without it, your return will be rejected.

The IRS does not send you a PIN unless there is a reason — usually because your Social Security number has already been used fraudulently on a tax return, or because you reported identity theft to the IRS directly. If you have received a letter from the IRS saying you need a PIN to file, or if you are trying to file and the system rejects your return asking for one, you will need to obtain it before you can proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS assigns an Identity PIN 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 or by creating an account on IRS.gov and checking your online account.
  • If you have already received a letter from the IRS about identity theft, that letter will contain instructions specific to your situation.
  • The process typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on whether the IRS needs to verify your identity through additional steps.
  • You will need to provide proof of identity and may need to file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if you are reporting the theft yourself.

Calling the IRS to request your PIN

The most direct way to get an Identity PIN is to call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490. This line is staffed during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready when you call.

When you reach an agent, explain that you need an Identity PIN because your account has been compromised or because you received a letter from the IRS. The agent will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your tax history or personal information. If you pass verification, they may issue the PIN over the phone or tell you it will arrive by mail within a few days.

If the IRS cannot verify your identity over the phone, they will send you a letter with instructions on how to proceed. This usually means you will need to visit a local IRS office in person with a government-issued ID, or submit additional documentation by mail.

Using your IRS online account to check for a PIN

If you have already created a free account on IRS.gov, you can log in and check whether the IRS has assigned you an Identity PIN. Go to IRS.gov, select "Sign in" at the top right, and choose how you want to verify your identity — either with a username and password, or through a third-party service like Login.gov.

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Your Account" or "Tax Records." If the IRS has issued you a PIN, it will appear there. If no PIN is shown and you believe you need one, you can use the online account to send a message to the IRS or find the phone number for your local IRS office.

Creating an IRS online account also helps you monitor your account for suspicious activity. You can see when returns have been filed under your name and check your tax transcript to spot unauthorized filings.

Filing Form 14039 if you are reporting identity theft yourself

If you discovered the identity theft yourself — for example, you received a tax return notice for a return you did not file — you should file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) along with your legitimate tax return. This form tells the IRS that you are the real taxpayer and that someone else filed fraudulently in your name.

You can file Form 14039 by mail along with your return, or you can file it electronically through tax software if your software supports it. Attach a copy of any documentation you have that proves the theft — such as a police report, a letter from a creditor, or the fraudulent tax return notice you received.

After you file Form 14039, the IRS will assign you an Identity PIN and send it to you by mail. This process usually takes several weeks. Do not file your actual tax return until you have received the PIN and are ready to enter it.

What to do if you received an IRS letter about identity theft

If the IRS sent you a letter saying your account has been compromised or that a fraudulent return was filed in your name, follow the instructions in that letter exactly. The letter will tell you whether to call a specific phone number, visit an IRS office, or submit documents by mail.

Some letters include a temporary PIN that you can use to file your return when ready. Others ask you to verify your identity first before the IRS will issue a PIN. Keep the letter and any reference numbers it contains — you will need them if you call the IRS or visit an office.

If you have lost the letter or cannot find the reference number, call 1-800-908-4490 and provide your Social Security number. The agent can look up your case and tell you what step comes next.

Verifying your identity in person at an IRS office

If the IRS cannot verify your identity over the phone, they may ask you to visit a local IRS office with a government-issued photo ID. You can find the nearest office by going to IRS.gov, selecting "Contact Us," and entering your ZIP code.

Bring your driver's license or passport, your Social Security number, and any IRS letters you have received about the identity theft. An IRS employee will verify your identity and either issue your PIN on the spot or tell you when it will arrive by mail.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can request an alternative verification method by calling 1-800-908-4490. The IRS may accept notarized documents or other proof of identity sent by mail.

Timeline and what to expect while waiting for your PIN

The time it takes to receive an Identity PIN depends on how the IRS verifies your identity. If you pass verification over the phone, you may receive your PIN within a few days. If the IRS needs to mail it to you, allow two to three weeks for delivery.

If you need to visit an IRS office or submit documents by mail, the process can take four to six weeks or longer, especially during tax season when the IRS is busier. Check the status of your case by calling 1-800-908-4490 and providing your reference number.

While you are waiting for your PIN, do not attempt to file your tax return. Filing without the PIN when one has been assigned to your account will cause your return to be rejected, and you will have to resubmit it once you have the PIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my tax return without an Identity PIN if the IRS assigned one to my account?

No. If the IRS has assigned you an Identity PIN, you must enter it when you file, whether you file electronically or by mail. If you try to file without it, your return will be rejected. You must obtain the PIN before you can complete your filing.

What if I lose my Identity PIN after I receive it?

Call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 and they will provide it again. The PIN does not change unless the IRS reissues it for security reasons. You can also check your IRS online account to see your PIN.

How long is an Identity PIN valid?

An Identity PIN is typically valid for one tax year. The IRS will issue you a new PIN each year if your account remains flagged for identity theft protection. You will receive the new PIN by mail before the next tax season.

Do I need an Identity PIN if I file through a tax professional?

Yes. Your tax professional will need your Identity PIN to file your return electronically. Provide it to them before they submit your return. If you do not have it yet, your return cannot be filed until you do.

What should I do if someone filed a return using my Social Security number but I have not received an IRS letter?

Call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to report the fraudulent filing. You can also file Form 14039 by mail with your legitimate return. The IRS will investigate and assign you an Identity PIN to prevent future fraud on your account.