Scammers file false returns using your name and Social Security number, and collect refunds from the federal and state governments. And, because the number is renewed each year, it does make life harder for fraudsters (opens in new tab) who might have exploited your details on previous occasions.Every year, hundreds of taxpayers fall victim to tax fraud. If you've been a victim of personal identity theft (opens in new tab), especially in tax affairs, this is still one of the best ways to counter criminal activity. Any phone call, email, or text asking you to submit your IP PIN should be ignored as they will doubtless be scams.Īlthough it may seem like quite a lot of effort, getting yourself an IP PIN could make life easier in the long run. Remember that the IRS will never ask for your IP PIN, so beware of any dubious communications requesting it. It's also crucial to ensure that the IP PIN isn't shared with anyone, aside from a tax professional whose services you might be used for tax filing. It's also imperative that the IP PIN is entered correctly because if it isn't, it could cause further issues and potential delays when sorting out tax filing tasks. Once you've managed to get your IP PIN, the unique number will need to be used if you're working with tax software (opens in new tab) products for accounting (opens in new tab) and tax filing purposes. However, using these other methods could mean there will be a delay in receiving your IP PIN. Similarly, if you cannot get the IP PIN using the online tool, then it is possible to fill in an application or obtain in-person authentication to process a request. There are also steps in place if you happen to lose your CP01A Notice so that you can still retrieve (opens in new tab) your IP PIN. It's worth spending some time reading up (opens in new tab) on the secure access identity authentication processes. This is needed so that you can subsequently validate your identity. This involves using the online Get an IP PIN tool (opens in new tab), and you'll be required to have an account on IRS.gov. The other route to an IP PIN is if you're volunteering for the IP PIN Opt-In Program. However, this is dependent on your identity theft case being resolved before the start of the next tax-filing (opens in new tab) season. The IRS can send you one in the mail, which will be contained in a CP01A Notice. You'll need to be a confirmed victim of identity theft (opens in new tab) to get an IP PIN. Failure to use it on the official forms will also mean that your filed return will be rejected, which could result in even more stress.īe sure to keep your CP01A notice along with any new ID PIN you get each year in a secure location, ideally along with your tax records (opens in new tab). It should not be disclosed to anyone else, aside from a tax preparer (opens in new tab), if you are using the services of one. Similarly, taxpayers need to enter the ID number if filing using a paper return too, and there are some valuable pointers on precisely what needs to be done on the IRS page (opens in new tab) outlining these steps.Īs you’d expect for something vital in maintaining security and protecting your data, the IP PIN needs to be looked after. According to the IRS, this includes the primary taxpayer, spouse, and dependent. Each time you get a replacement, you will receive instructions on how to use the unique 6-digit IP PIN, and this will need to be entered each time you file official forms, which include Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1040 PR/SS.Įach taxpayer who gets an IP PIN must use the unique ID whenever an electronic tax return (opens in new tab) is filed. This means that a new one is sent out every year. Once you start getting an IP PIN, each one issued will last for twelve months. This is the official notice that explains what the IP PIN is and why you're being issued one. Then, after the IRS has concluded its identity theft investigations and is happy that your tax account (opens in new tab) issues have been corrected, you'll be in line for a CP01A Notice. Unsurprisingly, the IRS doesn't hand out IP PINs in a haphazard fashion, so you'll need to be a confirmed victim of identity theft (opens in new tab) to qualify for one. Take a look at the best accounting software (opens in new tab).The best tax software (opens in new tab) around today.Check out the best identity theft protection (opens in new tab).
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