IRS IP PIN: How to Get an Identity Protection PIN
An IRS identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that, per the IRS, prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or ITIN; the IRS lists the IRS app or your online account as the fastest way to get one, and Form 15227 (adjusted gross income on your last filed return below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint) or an in-person visit as alternatives.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Sources checked against IRS.gov text on November 2, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Fees, time frames and limits
| What | Figure | IRS document and date |
|---|---|---|
| Form 15227 route: adjusted gross income on your last filed return below (individuals) | $84,000 | Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
| Form 15227 route: adjusted gross income on your last filed return below (married filing joint) | $168,000 | Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
| Form 15227 route: IP PIN mailed “usually within” | four to six weeks | Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
| In-person route: IP PIN mailed “usually within” | three weeks | Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
| Reissue by mail after a phone assistor verifies your identity: “mailed within” | 21 days | Didn’t receive or lost your identity protection PIN (IP PIN)? (page last reviewed July 21, 2026) |
| How long an IP PIN is valid | one calendar year | Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
| Online account: IP PIN “generally available to view” | mid-January through mid-November | Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
| After an opt-out selection: “allow up to” before e-filing without an IP PIN | 72 hours | Frequently asked questions about the identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) (page last reviewed October 30, 2026) |
What an IP PIN is and who can get one
“An identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return.”
On who is eligible, the IRS get-an-IP-PIN page says:
“Anyone who has an SSN or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and is able to verify his/her identity is eligible to enroll into the IP PIN program. Parents and legal guardians can also request an IP PIN for dependents.”
The IRS lost-PIN page lists two groups as assigned an IP PIN:
“You are assigned an IP PIN if
You are a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft.
You opted-in to receive an IP PIN.”
The IRS FAQ answer to “Why did I receive an IP PIN?” lists three reasons, one of them a possible victim, and says on victims:
“Our records show you were previously the victim of identity theft; you were identified by the IRS as a possible victim of tax-related identity theft; or you opted in to receive an IP PIN. We use this IP PIN to authenticate your identity when you file.”
“If our records show that you were a victim of identity theft, you will automatically be enrolled into the IP PIN program.”
Three ways to get one
| Route | Who can use it, as the IRS words it | Delivery time | IRS source and date |
|---|---|---|---|
| The IRS app or your online account | Anyone who has an SSN or ITIN and is able to verify his/her identity; if you or your dependent are under age 18, the IRS says you must use one of the alternative enrollment options | The IRS calls the online account the fastest way to receive an IP PIN | Frequently asked questions about the identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) (page last reviewed October 30, 2026); Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
| Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number | If you can’t establish an online account and your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint; a valid SSN or ITIN and access to a telephone | Usually within four to six weeks, by U.S. Postal Service, once the IRS verifies your identity | Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
| In person at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center, by appointment | If you’re unable to verify your identity online or with the Form 15227 process, or you are ineligible to file Form 15227 | Usually within three weeks, by U.S. Postal Service, once the IRS verifies your identity | Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) |
Form 15227 (January 2026) and the Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) tie the $84,000 and $168,000 limits to the adjusted gross income “on your last filed return” and name no tax year.
1. The IRS app or your online account: IRS wording
“The fastest and easiest methods to join the IP PIN Program are through the IRS app or your online account. If you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you must register and validate your identity to get an IP PIN using either method.”
The IRS FAQ lists two enrollment options in the profile tab:
“Continuous enrollment – You remain in the program for the current year and future years.
One-time enrollment – You are in the program for the current calendar year and will automatically be opted out of the program at the end of the calendar year.”
“Note: If you or your dependent are under age 18 and would like to request an IP PIN, you must use one of the alternative enrollment options.”
2. Form 15227: IRS wording
“If your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $84,000 for Individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint and you can’t establish an online account, you can submit Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number online. You must have:”
“A valid Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
An adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $84,000 for Individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint.
Access to a telephone.”
The form states its own criteria:
“In order for IRS to accept this form you (the person in ‘Box a’) must meet all of the following four criteria. (1) You don’t have an IP PIN assigned to you (2) You have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Provide complete number in ‘Box d’ below. (3) Your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below; For Individuals $84,000 or For Married Filing Joint $168,000. (4) You have access to a telephone. Provide your phone number in ‘Box e’ below.”
“We will use the telephone number provided on the Form 15227 to call you and validate your identity. Once we verify your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within four to six weeks. You will then receive your IP PIN annually through the mail.”
3. In person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center: IRS wording
“If you’re unable to verify your identity online or with the Form 15227 process or you are ineligible to file Form 15227, you may make an appointment for an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center.”
“If you enroll in-person for an IP PIN, you will need to bring:
One form of federal or state issued picture identification.
One additional form of identification.”
“Once we verify your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within three weeks. You will then receive your IP PIN annually through the mail.”
Using the IP PIN each year
“An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year.
A new IP PIN is generated each year for your account.”
“Once you have opted in and obtained an IP PIN online, you will need to retrieve your IP PIN online each calendar year as a CP01A Notice will not be mailed. The IP PIN is generally available to view in your online account starting in mid-January through mid-November.”
On which returns it is used for, the IRS get-an-IP-PIN page and FAQ say:
“An IP PIN must be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year including prior year returns.”
“If we assigned you an IP PIN, you must use it to confirm your identity on any return filed during the current calendar year. This includes current year returns as well as any delinquent tax returns.”
On the forms it is used on, the IRS FAQ says:
“An IP PIN is used only on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR,1040-SS and 1040-X.”
“Yes. The same requirements for the IP PIN that exist for filing an original return, will apply to an amended return.”
The Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) lists Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR and 1040-SS as the forms an IP PIN is used on and does not list Form 1040-X; the IP PIN frequently asked questions page (page last reviewed October 30, 2026) does list it.
For filing an amended return, see amended tax return and Form 1040-X. On keeping the PIN private, the IRS get-an-IP-PIN page says:
“The IRS will never ask for your IP PIN. Phone calls, emails or texts asking for your IP PIN are scams.”
If you lost your IP PIN
“If you have been assigned an identity protection PIN (IP PIN) and lost it or didn't receive a CP01A notice, you'll need to retrieve your IP PIN online or have it reissued by mail.”
“We will not mail your IP PIN (CP01A notice) if
You opted into the IP PIN program online after 2019.
We do not have a valid address on file for you.
You have not filed a return in the last three years.”
“Note: If any of the above items apply to you, you must log into your online account to view your IP PIN or contact us to get your IP PIN mailed to you.”
“You may use your online account to retrieve your current IP PIN. Your IP PIN is available through your “Profile” page. If you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you will be asked to create an account and validate your identity before you can view your IP PIN.”
“Note: An IP PIN belonging to a minor (under age 18) cannot be retrieved online if it is lost or not received, you must call us to have their IP PIN reissued by mail.”
“U.S. callers: 800-908-4490, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time). International callers: 267-941-1000 (not toll free) Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern time. Note: If you can verify your identity with a phone assistor, your IP PIN will be mailed within 21 days to the address on file with the IRS.”
“Your IP PIN cannot be reissued by mail if
You opted into the IP PIN program for the first time during the current calendar year.
It’s requested during the IP PIN end of year maintenance period. This normally occurs from November through mid-January of each year but can vary.”
“If your IP PIN cannot be reissued by mail and you cannot create or access an online account, mail a paper tax return without your IP PIN. We’ll review your return to confirm you filed it, but this may delay your refund. Do not file Form 15227 if you have already been assigned an IP PIN. This form is only for new requests to opt into the IP PIN program.”
If a return is filed without the IP PIN, the IRS lost-PIN page says:
“If you file your return without your IP PIN
Your electronic return will be rejected.
Your paper return will be reviewed to verify your identity which may cause a delay in receiving your refund.”
On leaving the program, the IRS FAQ says:
“Yes, you may be eligible to opt-out of the IP PIN program if you voluntarily joined and have not been a victim of tax-related identity theft.”
For a copy of a past return or the income information on it, see how to get an IRS tax transcript; for refund timing, see the tax refund schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is an IRS IP PIN?
The Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) says an IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number, known only to you and the IRS, and that it helps the IRS verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return.
Who can get an IP PIN?
The Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) says anyone who has an SSN or ITIN and is able to verify his/her identity is eligible, and that parents and legal guardians can also request an IP PIN for dependents. The Didn’t receive or lost your identity protection PIN (IP PIN)? page (page last reviewed July 21, 2026) says you are assigned an IP PIN if you are a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft or if you opted in to receive one.
How do I get an IP PIN?
The Frequently asked questions about the identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) page (page last reviewed October 30, 2026) names the IRS app or your online account as the fastest and easiest methods. The Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) lists two alternatives: Form 15227, with an IP PIN usually mailed within four to six weeks, and an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, with an IP PIN usually mailed within three weeks. It says an alternative method takes longer than the online account.
What income limit applies to Form 15227?
The Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) says adjusted gross income on your last filed return below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint, together with a valid SSN or ITIN and access to a telephone, and Form 15227 (January 2026) lists the same limits. Form 15227 (January 2026) and the Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) tie the $84,000 and $168,000 limits to the adjusted gross income “on your last filed return” and name no tax year.
Is the IP PIN the same every year?
No. The Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) says an IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and the IP PIN frequently asked questions page (page last reviewed October 30, 2026) answers the question of whether to keep it for next year with no, because an IP PIN is generated each year. Those who opted in online retrieve it online each calendar year, since the page says a CP01A Notice is not mailed to them.
What if I lost my IP PIN?
The Didn’t receive or lost your identity protection PIN (IP PIN)? page (page last reviewed July 21, 2026) says to retrieve it in your online account or have it reissued by mail. It gives 800-908-4490 for U.S. callers and says that if a phone assistor can verify your identity, the IP PIN is mailed within 21 days. It says an IP PIN belonging to a minor (under age 18) cannot be retrieved online if it is lost or not received, and that the IRS asks you to call to have it reissued by mail. It lists cases where it cannot be reissued by mail, says that if it cannot be reissued by mail and you cannot create or access an online account you mail a paper tax return without your IP PIN, and says not to file Form 15227 if you have already been assigned an IP PIN.
What happens if I file without my IP PIN?
The Didn’t receive or lost your identity protection PIN (IP PIN)? page (page last reviewed July 21, 2026) says that an electronic return filed without the IP PIN is rejected and that a paper return is reviewed to verify your identity, which may cause a delay in receiving your refund.
Does the IRS ask for my IP PIN by phone, email or text?
The Get an identity protection PIN page (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) says the IRS never asks for your IP PIN and that phone calls, emails or texts asking for it are scams.
More IRS how-to pages
Sources (checked November 2, 2026): Get an identity protection PIN (page last reviewed August 4, 2026) · Frequently asked questions about the identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) (page last reviewed October 30, 2026) · Didn’t receive or lost your identity protection PIN (IP PIN)? (page last reviewed July 21, 2026) · Form 15227 (January 2026)