The IRS created the IP PIN program to help combat tax identity theft. Originally the IRS assigned an IP PIN to individuals who had been victims of identity theft or the IRS suspected they might have been. An IP PIN helps the IRS verify the taxpayer’s identity and accept their federal tax return for processing.
For 2020 the IRS is expanding who may opt into the IP PIN program to include more individuals who have not been victims of identity theft.
For the 2020 filing season an individual who filed a federal tax return in 2019 from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington may request an IP PIN.
Eligible individuals may request an IP PIN using the Get an IP PIN tool on the IRS website. If they do not already have an account on IRS.gov, they must validate their identity by registering and going through the IRS Secure Access identity authentication process.
If an individual is assigned an IP PIN they must include it on their 2019 federal return when they file it during this filing season.
For more information on the IP PIN program see the following on the IRS website:
- Publication 5367 – Identity Protection PIN Opt-in Program for Taxpayers
- Get an Identity Protection PIN
- Secure Access: How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools – Includes information on what information an individual will need when they register
- IP PIN FAQs
