The IRS is offering the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.
Only taxpayers, and the IRS, will know the six digit the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers’ personally identifiable information.
The IP PIN program began almost a decade ago for taxpayers who were confirmed identity theft victims of ongoing tax-related fraud. More recently, the IRS opened up the program to certain states. Now, the voluntary program is going nationwide.
Here are a few key things to know about the IP PIN Opt-In program (source IRS Newswire):
- This is a voluntary program.
- You must pass a rigorous identity verification process.
- Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can verify their identities.
- An IP PIN is valid for a calendar year.
- You must obtain a new IP PIN each filing season.
- The online IP PIN tool is offline between November and mid-January each year.
- Correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays.
- Never share your IP PIN with anyone but your trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call, text or email requesting your IP PIN. Beware of scams to steal your IP PIN.
- There currently is no opt-out option but the IRS is working on one for 2022.
How to get the IP PIN
Go to IRS.gov/IPPIN and use the “Get an IP PIN” tool. You will have to verify your identity using the Secure Access authentication process if you do not already have an IRS account. See IRS.gov/SecureAccess for what information you need to be successful. You don’t need to file a Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, to opt into the program.
Once your identity is authenticated, your 2021 IP PIN immediately will be revealed to you. This PIN is used when prompted by electronic tax returns or entered by hand near the signature line on paper tax returns.
If you cannot verify your identity online, you do have options.
If your adjusted gross income is $72,000 or less you can complete Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number, and mail or fax to the IRS. An IRS customer service representative will contact the taxpayer and verify your identity by phone. Important: you should have their prior year tax return handy for the verification process. If you verify your identity through this process, an IP PIN will be mailed to you the following tax year for security reasons. Once in the program, your IP PIN will be mailed to you each year.
In the event you cannot verify your identity online or by phone and are ineligible for file Form 15227, you can contact the IRS and make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center to verify their identities in person. You’ll need to bring two forms of identification, including one government-issued picture identification. Then you will have an IP PIN mailed to you within three weeks. Once in the program, your IP PIN will be mailed to you each year.
Nothing Changes for Identity Theft Victims
If you are already confirmed a identity theft victim or who have filed an identity theft affidavit because of suspected stolen identity refund fraud, you will automatically receive an IP PIN via mail once your case is resolved. Current tax-related identity theft victims who have been receiving IP PINs via mail will experience no change.
See IRS.gov/IPPIN or Publication 5367 for additional details.
For more information or if you have questions, connect with us today!