What an IRS Identity PIN is and when you need one

An IRS Identity PIN is a six-digit number the Internal Revenue Service assigns to you to prevent someone else from filing a tax return in your name. If the IRS suspects your Social Security number has been compromised — or if you report identity theft to them — they will issue you a PIN and require you to enter it on your return every year until they tell you otherwise.

You do not need a PIN for normal tax filing. The IRS only requires one if you have been a victim of identity theft, if you have received notice that your number was exposed in a data breach affecting IRS systems, or if you are in a state that participates in the IRS's IP PIN program and meet their criteria. Some states, including Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana, offer their own state identity PINs as well.

If someone has already filed a fraudulent return using your Social Security number, the IRS will contact you by mail and assign you a PIN automatically. If you suspect fraud but have not yet heard from the IRS, you can request one yourself through the IRS's online tool or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Identity PIN is a six-digit number you must enter on your tax return if the IRS has assigned one to you; you cannot file without it if one has been issued.
  • You receive a PIN by mail from the IRS if they detect fraud on your account, or you can request one yourself through the IRS's online IP PIN tool if you live in a participating state or have reported identity theft.
  • The online tool at irs.gov/identity-protect requires you to verify your identity using either your Social Security number and date of birth or a credit report verification process.
  • If you cannot use the online tool, you can request a PIN by mailing Form 14039 to the IRS, though this route takes several weeks longer than the online method.
  • Once assigned, your PIN remains active until the IRS notifies you in writing that you no longer need one, which typically happens after three years without fraud.

Using the IRS online IP PIN tool

The fastest way to request an IRS Identity PIN is through the IRS's IP PIN tool at irs.gov/identity-protect. This tool is available year-round and will issue you a PIN when ready if you pass the identity verification step. You will need either your Social Security number and date of birth, or you can verify your identity using information from your credit report.

To use the tool, visit irs.gov/identity-protect and select "Get an IP PIN." The system will ask you to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. It will then prompt you to verify your identity by answering questions based on your credit file — typically questions about past addresses, loan amounts, or credit card accounts. If you answer correctly, the tool will generate your six-digit PIN on screen when ready. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you will need it when you file your return.

The tool is available to residents of all 50 states, but some states have their own separate programs. If you live in Florida, Georgia, or Louisiana, you may also be able to request a state IP PIN through your state's tax authority, which works similarly to the federal PIN.

Requesting a PIN by mail using Form 14039

If you cannot or do not want to use the online tool, you can request an IRS Identity PIN by mailing Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, to the IRS. This form tells the IRS that you believe your identity has been stolen or that you want to protect your account from fraud.

To use this route, read Form 14039 from irs.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed in the form's instructions. The address depends on which IRS service center handles your state. Include a copy of your government-issued ID and any documentation of the identity theft — for example, a police report, a letter from a creditor, or a notice from the IRS itself saying a fraudulent return was filed in your name.

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks, sometimes longer during tax season. The IRS will mail your PIN to the address on file with them. If you are in a hurry, the online tool is much faster — it takes minutes rather than weeks.

What to do if you have already been a victim of fraud

If someone has already filed a tax return using your Social Security number, the IRS will detect it when you try to file your own return. The system will reject your return and the IRS will mail you a notice explaining what happened. This notice will include instructions for resolving the fraud and will often include an assigned PIN.

If you receive such a notice, do not ignore it. Call the IRS at the phone number on the notice — do not use a number you find online, as scammers often pose as the IRS. The IRS will walk you through the process of claiming your legitimate return and will assign you a PIN for future years. You may also want to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov, which creates an official record and may help you dispute fraudulent accounts opened in your name.

You can also file a police report in your jurisdiction, though this is not required by the IRS. Some people do this to have documentation if they need to dispute fraudulent accounts with creditors or credit bureaus.

How to use your PIN when you file

Once you have been assigned an IRS Identity PIN, you must enter it on your tax return every year until the IRS tells you that you no longer need one. If you file electronically, your tax software will have a field for the PIN — enter it exactly as the IRS gave it to you, with no dashes or spaces.

If you file by mail, write your PIN in the space provided on the front of Form 1040 or whichever form you use. If you do not enter the PIN when one has been assigned to you, the IRS will reject your return and mail you a notice asking you to resubmit it with the PIN included.

Keep your PIN in a safe place — write it down and store it with your other important documents, or save it in a password manager. You will need it every year until the IRS notifies you in writing that your account is no longer at risk.

How long the PIN stays active

An IRS Identity PIN typically remains active for three years from the date it was issued. After three years without any fraudulent activity on your account, the IRS will send you a letter saying you no longer need to use the PIN. You can then file your return without entering it.

If fraud occurs again during those three years, the IRS will extend the PIN for another three years from the date of the new incident. Some people keep their PINs active longer than three years by requesting renewal, which you can do through the online tool or by mail.

You can check the status of your PIN at any time by logging into your IRS account at irs.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and either your filing status or a copy of a recent tax return. The account dashboard will show whether a PIN is currently active on your account.

Protecting yourself from identity theft in the first place

An IRS Identity PIN is a response to fraud that has already happened or been detected. The better approach is to prevent fraud before it starts. Keep your Social Security number private — do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet, and do not give the number to anyone who does not have a legitimate need for it.

Monitor your credit reports regularly by visiting annualcreditreport.com, which is the only official site where you can order your free annual reports from all three credit bureaus. Look for accounts you did not open or inquiries you did not authorize. You can also place a credit freeze with each of the three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — which prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission.

If you receive a notice from a company saying your personal information was exposed in a data breach, take it seriously. Consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, which is free and lasts one year. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lose my PIN or forget the number?

You can retrieve your PIN by logging into your IRS account at irs.gov or by using the IP PIN tool again. If you cannot remember your PIN and cannot access your IRS account, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and they can verify your identity and provide the number over the phone.

Can I file my return without entering the PIN if one has been assigned to me?

No. If the IRS has assigned you a PIN, your return will be rejected if you do not include it. The IRS system will not accept the return without the correct six-digit number in the designated field.

Does getting an IRS Identity PIN affect my credit score?

No. The PIN is purely a tax filing security measure and has no connection to your credit report or credit score. It does not show up on your credit report and does not affect your ability to borrow money.

What if someone files a return using my Social Security number before I get my PIN?

The IRS will detect the fraudulent return when you try to file your legitimate one. The system will reject your return and mail you a notice. You will then need to contact the IRS to resolve the fraud and claim your legitimate return. The IRS will assign you a PIN at that time to prevent it from happening again.

Is the IRS IP PIN tool safe to use?

Yes, the official IRS tool at irs.gov/identity-protect is find. However, be cautious of scams — only use the tool at the official IRS website, never click links in emails claiming to be from the IRS, and never give your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the IRS.