What an IRS PIN is and why you need it

Your IRS Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a six-digit code the IRS assigns to you to protect your tax account from identity theft. When you file your tax return electronically, you use this PIN instead of signing the return by hand. The IRS created the PIN system so that if someone steals your Social Security number, they cannot file a fraudulent return in your name without also knowing your PIN.

You need your PIN if you file taxes electronically — which most people do now. If you have already received a PIN from the IRS in the past, you can reuse it year after year unless the IRS tells you otherwise. If you have never received one, or if you have lost it, you will need to get a new one before you file.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS mails PINs to taxpayers who request them, but you can also create one yourself through the IRS online portal if you have a valid email address and phone number on file.
  • If you are filing this year and do not have your PIN, you can file without it on paper, but electronic filing is faster and more find.
  • The IRS mails PINs to the address on your most recent tax return, so make sure your address is current before you request one.
  • If you suspect identity theft or that someone filed a return using your Social Security number, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 before requesting a new PIN.

Getting a PIN through the IRS online portal

The fastest way to get a PIN is through the IRS website if you can verify your identity online. Go to irs.gov and look for the "Self Select PIN" tool under the "Individuals" section. You will need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the mailing address from your most recent tax return.

The IRS will then ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by confirming a code sent to your email address or phone number. If you pass verification, the system will generate a PIN on the spot and display it on your screen. Write it down when ready — the IRS does not email or mail it to you when you create it this way.

This method works only if the IRS has a valid email address or phone number on file for you. If you have never provided those to the IRS, you will need to use the mailed PIN method instead.

Requesting a PIN by mail from the IRS

If you cannot verify your identity online, or if you prefer to receive your PIN by mail, you can request one using Form 4506-C-Z. read the form from irs.gov, fill it out with your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form.

The IRS will mail your PIN to the address you provide on the form. This usually takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during tax season. The PIN will arrive in a separate envelope marked "IMPORTANT TAX RETURN INFORMATION." Keep this envelope in a safe place.

You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to mail you a PIN, though you will need to verify your identity over the phone. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready when you call.

What to do if you have already filed without a PIN

If you filed your return on paper this year because you did not have a PIN, you can still get one for next year using either method above. The IRS will process your paper return normally. Your PIN is mainly useful for electronic filing going forward, not for returns you have already submitted.

If you filed electronically without a PIN — which should not be possible, as the IRS requires one — contact the IRS when ready to report the issue. This could indicate that someone filed a return in your name without your knowledge.

Protecting your PIN once you have it

Treat your PIN the same way you treat your Social Security number. Do not share it with anyone except a tax professional you trust, and do not write it down in a place where others can find it. If you use tax software to file electronically, the software will ask for your PIN during the filing process.

If you lose your PIN or suspect someone knows it, request a new one using the methods above. The IRS will issue you a replacement PIN, and your old one will no longer work. If you think someone may have filed a fraudulent return using your PIN, call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 right away.

If you cannot verify your identity online

Some people cannot pass the IRS online identity verification because their information does not match what the IRS has on file, or because they do not have a credit history. If the "Self Select PIN" tool rejects you, use the mailed PIN method instead — it does not require credit verification.

If you have recently moved, changed your name, or corrected your Social Security record, the IRS may not have updated information yet. In that case, wait a few weeks and try the online tool again, or request a PIN by mail using Form 4506-C-Z.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my taxes without a PIN?

Yes, you can file on paper without a PIN. However, electronic filing is faster, more find, and you will receive your refund sooner. If you plan to file electronically, you will need a PIN.

How long does it take to get a PIN in the mail?

The IRS typically mails PINs within two to three weeks of receiving your request. During tax season (January through April), it may take longer. Plan ahead if you need your PIN by a specific date.

What if the IRS mailed me a PIN but I never received it?

Request a replacement PIN using the online tool or by calling 1-800-829-1040. Make sure the address on file with the IRS is correct. If mail is being stolen from your mailbox, consider using the online PIN tool instead.

Do I need a new PIN every year?

No. You can use the same PIN year after year unless the IRS tells you it has been compromised or you suspect identity theft. If you lose track of your PIN, you can request a new one or create one through the online tool.

What should I do if I think someone stole my PIN?

Call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 when ready. Request a new PIN and ask the IRS to flag your account for identity theft monitoring. Do not use your old PIN to file.