Where to Find Your IP PIN on IRS.gov

Your IP PIN (Identity Protection Personal Identification Number) is a six-digit code the IRS issues to protect your tax account from identity theft. You find it by logging into your IRS account on IRS.gov under a section called "Get Your IP PIN." The IRS does not mail IP PINs to you—you retrieve them yourself through your online account.

To access it, go to IRS.gov, select "Sign in" in the top right corner, and log in with your existing IRS online account credentials (username and password, or through Login.gov). Once logged in, look for a tile or menu option labeled "Get Your IP PIN" or "View Your IP PIN." The exact wording and location shift slightly as the IRS updates its website, but it appears in the main dashboard area after you sign in.

If you do not yet have an IRS online account, you will need to create one first. You can do this through IRS.gov by selecting "Create an account" and following the setup steps, which include verifying your identity through Login.gov or by answering security questions.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IP PIN is found by logging into your IRS account on IRS.gov and selecting "Get Your IP PIN" from your dashboard.
  • You must create an IRS online account first if you do not have one, which requires identity verification through Login.gov.
  • The IRS issues a new IP PIN each year, usually starting in late May, and you will need the current year's PIN when you file your return.
  • If you cannot log in or do not see the IP PIN option, the IRS may not have issued one yet for that tax year, or your account may need additional verification.
  • You can also request an IP PIN by mail or phone if you cannot access it online, though the online method is faster.

Creating Your IRS Online Account

Before you can view your IP PIN, you need an IRS account. Start at IRS.gov and click "Sign in" at the top of the page. You will see options to either sign in with an existing account or create a new one. Select "Create an account."

The IRS uses Login.gov to verify your identity. You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and address, then answer security questions or verify your identity through Login.gov using a phone number, email, or other methods. This process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and must be completed before you can access your IP PIN or other account features.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your IP PIN Online

If you log in successfully but do not see a "Get Your IP PIN" option, the IRS may not have issued one yet for that tax year. The IRS typically begins issuing IP PINs in late May each year. If you are looking before that date, check back later in the year.

If it is already June or later and you still do not see the option, your account may require additional verification steps. Log out, wait a few hours, and try again. If the problem persists, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 (the main IRS phone line) and ask them to verify your account status or issue your IP PIN over the phone.

You can also request an IP PIN by mail. Fill out Form 15227 (process for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or contact the IRS and ask them to mail your PIN to your address on file. This method takes longer—typically two to four weeks—but works if you cannot access your online account.

Why the IRS Issues IP PINs

An IP PIN is a security tool designed to stop someone else from filing a tax return in your name. If a criminal obtains your Social Security number, they cannot file a fraudulent return without your IP PIN. When you file your own return, you enter your IP PIN in the appropriate field on your tax form, proving to the IRS that you are the legitimate account holder.

The IRS began issuing IP PINs to victims of identity theft and, as of 2021, began offering them to all taxpayers who request one. If you have been a victim of tax-related identity theft in the past, the IRS will issue you an IP PIN automatically each year without you having to request it.

Using Your IP PIN When You File

Once you have your IP PIN, you will need it when you file your tax return. If you file electronically through tax software or a tax professional, there is usually a field labeled "IP PIN" or "Identity Protection PIN" where you enter the six-digit code. If you file by mail, write your IP PIN in the space provided on your paper return.

Do not share your IP PIN with anyone except the tax software you are using or your tax preparer. The IRS will never ask for it by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the IRS and asks for your IP PIN, it is a scam.

IP PIN Changes Each Year

The IRS issues a new IP PIN every tax year. The PIN you use for your 2024 return is different from the one you used for 2023. You will need to retrieve your new PIN from your IRS account each year before you file. If you filed a return the previous year and received an IP PIN, the IRS will have a new one ready for you by late May of the following year.

Set a reminder to check your IRS account in late May or early June each year so you have your PIN ready before you start preparing your return. This prevents delays if you file early in the tax season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forgot my IRS account password?

On the IRS.gov sign-in page, select "Forgot username or password?" and follow the prompts to reset it. You will need to verify your identity again using the same method you used when you created your account (usually Login.gov or security questions). The reset typically takes a few minutes.

Can I get my IP PIN by phone instead of online?

Yes. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to provide your IP PIN over the phone. They will verify your identity by asking security questions, then read your six-digit PIN to you. This method works if you cannot access your online account, but expect a wait time during tax season.

What if someone filed a return using my Social Security number before I got an IP PIN?

Contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040 and report the fraudulent return. The IRS will flag your account and issue you an IP PIN automatically. You will also need to file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) to document the fraud. The IRS will then issue you an IP PIN each year going forward without you having to request it.

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

Yes. Even if a tax professional prepares and files your return, you still need to provide them with your IP PIN so they can enter it on your return. Ask your tax preparer for the IP PIN field on their intake form and provide your six-digit code.

Is my IP PIN the same as my ITIN?

No. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file a U.S. tax return. An IP PIN is a six-digit security code issued to protect any taxpayer's account from identity theft. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.