IRS IP PIN Changes Yearly, Blocks Others Filing as You
The IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that stops someone else from filing a tax return with your SSN or ITIN; only you and the IRS know it, a new one is generated every year, and it is valid for one calendar year. Anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity can get one, even if they aren’t required to file.
The IRS says it will never ask for your IP PIN; calls, emails or texts asking for it are scams. This article follows the IRS application page: how to apply, how to get your new number each year and how to use it when you file. This article gives no tax advice.
Who can apply
The IRS explains (IRS Get an Identity Protection PIN):
- With an SSN or ITIN: anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity can apply.
- Dependents: parents and legal guardians can request one for dependents.
- Under 18: if you or a dependent is under 18, use an option other than online enrollment.
How to apply
- Online (fastest): request it in the IP PIN section of your profile in your IRS online account; if you don’t have an account, register and verify your identity first.
- Form 15227: if you can’t apply online and the adjusted gross income (AGI) on your last return was below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing jointly, you can use this form; you need a valid SSN or ITIN and a phone, and the IRS calls to verify your identity. The IP PIN usually arrives by mail within 4 to 6 weeks, and then by mail every year.
- At a Taxpayer Assistance Center: if you can’t verify online or with Form 15227, or don’t qualify, make an appointment and bring one federal or state photo ID plus one other ID; for a dependent, bring your own photo ID and one other ID, plus two IDs for the dependent (such as a birth certificate and Social Security card). The IP PIN usually arrives by mail within 3 weeks.
Your new number each year
- Valid for one year: an IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and a new one is generated every year.
- If you applied online: you must get your new number from your online account each year, and the IRS won’t mail a CP01A notice; it is generally viewable online from mid-January to mid-November.
- Confirmed identity theft victims: you’ll get a CP01A notice by mail each year with your new IP PIN.
- One-time enrollment: if you enrolled through the one-time option, you’re opted out at the end of that calendar year.
Using it when you file
- Enter it on your return: enter the six-digit number when your tax software asks, or give it to your trusted tax professional.
- Which forms: it applies only to Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR and 1040-SS.
- All year long: use it on every federal return you file that year, including prior-year returns.
- Wrong or missing: e-filed returns are rejected, and paper returns are delayed until the IRS verifies them.
- Only for your tax professional: give it only to your tax professional, and only when you’re ready to sign and file.
For getting an ITIN when you can’t get an SSN and need to file, see ITIN Is for Taxpayers Without an SSN, It Doesn't Allow Work; for what to watch in your first year of filing, see First-Year Taxes, Dual Status, FBAR and 8938 Limits Differ; for spotting calls that pretend to be the IRS, see USCIS or the IRS Won't Call for Gift Card Payment.
What this article doesn’t cover
- Forgotten IP PIN: the IRS has a separate page on viewing it online or having it reissued by mail, which this article didn’t review; this page says not to file Form 15227 again just to get a new number.
- Married filing jointly: the page doesn’t specifically cover spouses or joint returns, so this article doesn’t either.
- Opting out: the page only says one-time enrollees are opted out at year end and doesn’t cover other cases, so this article doesn’t either.
- Your tax situation: this article doesn’t judge whether or how you should file.
FAQ
The IRS called asking for my IP PIN. Should I give it?
No. The IRS says it will never ask for your IP PIN, and calls, emails or texts asking for it are scams.
Can I apply with only an ITIN?
Yes. The IRS says anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity can apply.
I got one last year. Can I use the same number this year?
No. The IRS says an IP PIN is valid for one calendar year and a new one is generated every year; if you applied online, get it from your online account each year.
What happens if I leave it off my return?
The IRS says a wrong or missing IP PIN gets an e-filed return rejected, and a paper return is delayed until it’s verified.
Sources and date checked
All checked on 2026-11-01.
- IRS, Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) (page updated 2026-08-04):https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin