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Protect Your Tax Return: How to Get and Renew an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number

Learn how to request, retrieve, and renew an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) to help prevent tax-related identity theft and keep your tax return secure.
Updated 02/28/2025
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With tax identity theft being a growing concern, tax filers may want to consider requesting an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) when filing their tax return, which the IRS provides as an extra layer of security.

An IP PIN is a special six-digit number issued by the IRS to protect against tax-related identity theft. It ensures that only you can file a tax return using your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you’re wondering whether you need an IP PIN, how to retrieve a lost one, or how to renew it each year, here’s what you need to know.

You don’t need to be a victim of identity theft to receive an IP PIN. The IRS allows anyone to voluntarily request an IP PIN as an extra layer of security for their tax return.

You may already have an IP PIN if:

  • You received a CP01A Notice from the IRS, assigning you an IP PIN.
  • You opted into the IRS IP PIN program for added security.
  • You attempted to e-file your tax return, and it was rejected because an IP PIN was required but missing.

To request an IP PIN, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the IRS IP PIN webpage.
  2. Click “Get an IP PIN” and sign in to your Online IRS Account.
  3. If you don’t already have an IRS online account, you will need to create one and verify your identity through ID.me.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to receive your IP PIN.

If you need help creating an ID.me account, check out our video tutorial.

If you were assigned an IP PIN but lost or forgot it, you can retrieve it online by following these steps:

  1. Sign in to your Online IRS Account.
  2. Click “Profile” at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
  3. Scroll all the way down until you see the “Identity Protection PIN” section.

If you are unable to retrieve your IP PIN online, call the IRS at 800-908-4490 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7p.m. Pacific Time). An IRS agent will verify your identity and mail your IP PIN to the address they have on file. This process can take up to 21 days.

Your IP PIN is required when filing your tax return. If you file without it:

  • E-filed returns will be rejected.
  • Paper-filed returns will be delayed due to additional security screenings.

An IP PIN is not permanent—you must renew it annually. The IRS issues new IP PINs each January for the current filing season.

To renew your IP PIN:

  1. Log into your Online IRS Account.
  2. Click “Profile” at the top right-hand corner of the screen.

  3. Scroll all the way down until you see the “Identity Protection PIN” section, and follow the on-screen instructions to renew your IP PIN.

If you voluntarily joined the IP PIN program and have not been a victim of tax-related identity theft, you may be eligible to opt out. To check your eligibility and begin the opt-out process, log into your IRS online account.

Additionally, if you’re enrolled in the IP PIN program through the one-time enrollment option, you will automatically be opted out at the end of the calendar year unless you choose to renew.

For more details, visit the IRS FAQ page on IP PINs.