An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number or most commonly known as an “IP PIN,” is a Pin number issued to a taxpayer by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), that provides a layer of protection to electronic filers. The IP PIN Program was created to protect victims of Identity Theft. Anyone who has experienced identity theft for tax purposes and reported it to the IRS already has an IP PIN. Once a taxpayer obtains their IP PIN, they must use it to electronically submit or e-file their Federal 1040 for the year. To address additional security concerns once you request an IP PIN, the IRS will automatically issue the corresponding taxpayer a new IP PIN for each subsequent year. This means once you obtain an IP PIN, you will also trigger a new IP PIN every year, to protect all future e-filed returns.
There are Three Ways to Request and Obtain your IP PIN: Which one works best for you?
I. Online Request
The IRS recommends obtaining an IP PIN online. Applying online will provide you with easier access to your yearly IP PIN. It is also paper free version that does not have to be mailed to you. Avoiding the mail provides you with an additional layer of protection if you move and forget to notify the IRS of your new address.
You will need access to your online IRS account to apply online. If you do not have an online account, you will have to create one before you can apply online. I recommend applying online because you will avoid safe keeping a paper copy or rushing to update your mailing address with the IRS. You may simply log into your IRS account and provide your IP PIN to your tax professional or accountant during tax time. Your Tax Professional will not be able to e-file your tax return without your IP PIN.
If you do not have an online IRS account and do not want to bother creating one, you have two more options to apply for an IP PIN.
II. Paper Request via Mail
You can complete and submit IRS Form 15227 Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) A link to the IRS webpage where you can find the form can be found at the end of this post.
PLEASE NOTE: Not everyone can utilize Form 15227 to obtain an IP PIN, eligible filers must have:
- A valid Social Security Number or ITIN
- The AGI of the most previous return must be below $84,000 for individual returns or $168,000 for married filing joint returns.
- The taxpayer must have access to a telephone.
You may submit the form via mail or fax. That information is located at the bottom of the form.
III. In-Person Request
The third available option to apply for an IP PIN is by an in-person appointment at your local IRS Office. You will need to bring two identification documents, one from the government and another identification document to prove your identity.
For more information about the IP PIN, visit the dedicated IRS page by clicking the link 👉 https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
There you will find links to apply online (or create an IRS account), a link to Form 15227, and a link to find your local IRS office to book an appointment to apply in-person.
If you have been impacted by any of the recent data breaches in your State, I highly recommend you obtain an IP PIN to secure your yearly income tax return. You may also obtain an IP PIN for any dependents listed on your tax return. For your security, refer to those specific details via the link I added above.
Lastly, applying for the IP PIN program is free. It will only cost you the time it will take you to apply. How do you plan to protect your annual income tax filings?
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