Getting Your IRS Identity PIN: What It Is and How to Request One

What an IRS Identity PIN is and why you might need one

An IRS Identity PIN is a six-digit number the Internal Revenue Service creates for you to prove your identity when you file taxes or contact the IRS. It works like a password — only you and the IRS know it, and you enter it on your tax return to verify you are who you say you are.

You do not need an IRS PIN to file taxes under normal circumstances. The IRS assigns one to you automatically only if your Social Security number has been used fraudulently, or if you have already received one in the past. However, if you suspect someone has filed a tax return using your name and Social Security number, requesting a PIN is one of the first steps to protect yourself.

The PIN is different from your Social Security number, your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), or your EIN (Employer Identification Number). It is a temporary security tool specific to tax filing, and the IRS issues a new one each year if you have one.

Key Takeaways

You can request an IRS Identity PIN through the IRS website at irs.gov, by mail using Form 14039, or by calling the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490.
The IRS will only issue a PIN if you have experienced tax-related identity theft or if you are in a state where the IRS is offering PINs to all residents as a fraud prevention measure.
If you receive a PIN from the IRS, you must enter it on your tax return that year, or the IRS will reject your return as potentially fraudulent.
The process typically takes two to four weeks by mail, or you may receive your PIN when ready online if you can verify your identity through the IRS website.
If someone has already filed a fraudulent return using your Social Security number, you will need to file Form 14039 and contact the IRS directly — a PIN alone will not fix the problem.

How to request a PIN online through the IRS website

The fastest way to get an IRS PIN is through the IRS website at irs.gov, using a tool called the IRS Online PIN Request. Go to irs.gov, search for "get an identity PIN," and you will find a link to the online request form. The IRS will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your tax history and personal information — questions only you should know the answers to.

If you pass the identity verification, the IRS will issue your PIN when ready and display it on your screen. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you will need to enter it when you file your tax return. The IRS does not email or mail the PIN to you after an online request, so you must record it yourself at that moment.

This online method works only if you have filed a tax return with the IRS in the past three years and have a valid Social Security number. If you cannot verify your identity online, the IRS will tell you to use the mail or phone method instead.

Requesting a PIN by mail using Form 14039

If you cannot verify your identity online, or if you prefer to request a PIN in writing, you can mail Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) to the IRS. This form tells the IRS that you believe your identity has been stolen or that you want a PIN for fraud prevention. You can read Form 14039 from irs.gov or request it by phone.

Fill out the form with your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and a description of what happened — for example, "I received a tax return notice for a year I did not file" or "I want to prevent identity theft." Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed in the form instructions. The address depends on which state you live in, so check the form carefully.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. The IRS will mail your PIN to the address on file with your Social Security number. If you have moved recently, update your address with the Social Security Administration before mailing the form, or the PIN may go to an old address.

Calling the IRS Identity Theft Hotline

You can also request an IRS PIN by phone through the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490. This line is specifically for people who believe their identity has been stolen or who want to report suspicious tax activity. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a copy of your most recent tax return ready when you call.

The IRS representative will ask you questions to verify your identity, similar to the online process. If you pass verification, they may issue your PIN over the phone, or they may mail it to you. Ask the representative which method they are using, and get a confirmation number for your records.

Wait times on this line can be long, especially during tax season (January through April). Call early in the morning or on a weekday to reduce your wait time. If you cannot reach anyone after 30 minutes, hang up and try again later or use the online method instead.

What to do if someone has already filed using your Social Security number

If you discover that someone has already filed a tax return using your name and Social Security number, a PIN alone will not solve the problem. You will need to file Form 14039 and contact the IRS directly to report the fraudulent return. The IRS will then investigate and may delay processing of your legitimate return while they sort out which one is real.

When you file your own return after identity theft, you must include Form 14039 with it. The IRS will use this form to flag your account and prioritize your case. You should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov, which creates an official record of the theft and may help you dispute fraudulent accounts with banks or creditors.

This process is more complicated than straightforward requesting a PIN, and it can take several months to resolve. The IRS may contact you by mail to ask for additional proof that you are the real taxpayer. Keep copies of everything you send to the IRS, and note the dates and times of any phone calls.

States offering PINs to all residents for fraud prevention

Some states have partnered with the IRS to offer PINs to all residents, not just those who have experienced identity theft. These states treat the PIN as a standard fraud prevention tool, like a password on a bank account. If you live in one of these states, you may be able to request a PIN even if you have not been a victim of fraud.

The list of states offering this service changes year to year. Check irs.gov or contact your state tax authority to find out whether your state is currently offering PINs to residents. If your state does offer them, the process is usually the same as the methods described above — online, by mail, or by phone.

Even if your state offers PINs to all residents, you are not required to get one. A PIN is optional unless the IRS has already issued one to you because of suspected fraud on your account.

Entering your PIN on your tax return

Once you have your IRS PIN, you must enter it in the correct place on your tax return. If you file electronically using tax software or a tax professional, there is usually a field labeled "Identity PIN" or "IRS PIN" on the return. Enter your six-digit PIN exactly as the IRS gave it to you.

If you file a paper return, write your PIN in the space provided on the form. The location varies depending on which form you use — for most people, it is on Form 1040 near the top of the page. Check the form instructions to find the exact location.

If you have a PIN but do not enter it on your return, the IRS will reject your return as potentially fraudulent. You will have to resubmit it with the PIN included. This can delay your refund by several weeks, so double-check that your PIN is entered before you file.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lose my PIN before I file my tax return?

You can request a new PIN using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or by phone. The IRS will issue you a replacement PIN, which will be different from the original one. Make sure to use the new PIN on your return, not the old one.

Can someone else use my Social Security number to request a PIN?

No. The IRS requires you to verify your identity before issuing a PIN, using questions about your tax history and personal information. If someone else tries to request a PIN using your Social Security number, they will not pass the verification step. However, if this happens repeatedly, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline to report it.

Do I need a PIN if I file my taxes through a tax professional or accountant?

If the IRS has issued you a PIN, yes — your tax professional will need to enter it on your return. Tell them you have a PIN before they file. If you do not have a PIN and do not think you need one, your tax professional can file without it under normal circumstances.

How long does an IRS PIN last?

An IRS PIN is valid for one tax year only. Each year, if you still need a PIN, you must request a new one. The IRS will issue a different six-digit number each year.

What if the IRS says I am not may be able to access for a PIN?

The IRS may deny a PIN request if you cannot verify your identity or if there is no record of you filing taxes in the past three years. If this happens, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline to discuss other ways to protect your account, such as placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus or filing Form 14039.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.