How do I get my IRS IP PIN?

What is an IP PIN?

An IRS Identity Protection Personal Identification Number is a six-digit number used to help prevent someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or ITIN.

The IRS issues a new IP PIN each year. If you have an IP PIN, use the PIN for the calendar year in which you are filing—even when filing a prior-year or amended return.

Fastest method: IRS Individual Online Account

1. Go to the official IRS Individual Online Account.
2. Sign in or create an account and complete identity verification.
3. Open your Profile.
4. Select the IP PIN option.
5. Request or retrieve your current IP PIN.
6. Keep the number secure and provide it only to your trusted tax preparer or tax software when needed to file.

Can anyone get an IP PIN?

The IRS says anyone with a valid SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity may enroll in the IP PIN program, including taxpayers who have not previously experienced identity theft.

What enrollment choices does the IRS offer?

• Continuous enrollment: you stay in the IP PIN program for the current year and future years.
• One-time enrollment: you participate for the current calendar year and are automatically opted out at the end of the calendar year.

What if I cannot verify my identity online?

Option 1: Form 15227

If your adjusted gross income is below the current IRS limit, you may be eligible to apply using Form 15227.

• Individuals: AGI below $84,000.
• Married filing jointly: AGI below $168,000.

Option 2: Taxpayer Assistance Center

If you cannot use the online account or Form 15227, the IRS says you can schedule an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center and bring the required identity-verification documents.

If you received a letter asking you to verify a tax return, follow the IRS verification-letter instructions as a separate task. Obtaining an IP PIN does not by itself complete that response.

Can my tax preparer request my IP PIN for me?

No. The IRS says tax professionals cannot request an IP PIN on behalf of a client. You must obtain or retrieve the IP PIN yourself and provide it to your trusted preparer for filing.

Do I need a new IP PIN every year?

Yes. The IRS generates a new six-digit IP PIN each year.

Which IP PIN do I use for a prior-year return?

Use the IP PIN issued for the calendar year in which the return is being filed. If you file a prior-year return during 2026, use your 2026 IP PIN.

Do dependents need their IP PIN entered too?

If a dependent has already been assigned an IP PIN, the IRS requires the dependent's IP PIN in the applicable e-file fields. A dependent does not need a new IP PIN solely because of a duplicate-dependent rejection unless an IP PIN was already assigned or another rule requires it.

What if my return is being rejected right now?

Do not keep retransmitting the same incorrect PIN. Save the reject code and verify whether the rejection applies to the primary taxpayer, spouse or dependent.

• IND-181-01 — primary taxpayer IP PIN issue.
• IND-183-01 — spouse IP PIN issue.

Before you try to file again

1. Save the complete rejection message.
2. Check whose IP PIN the IRS is requesting.
3. Retrieve the current calendar-year IP PIN.
4. Enter the six-digit number in the correct field.
5. Include spouse or dependent IP PINs when required.
6. Review the return before retransmission.
7. Save the new IRS acknowledgment.

Related IP PIN help

IP PIN Rejection Help Center →

IND-181-01 guide →

IND-183-01 guide →

Dependent already claimed →

For an unexplained earlier return, start with the SSN already used checks. If you reported identity theft already, see the IRS follow-up guide; an IP PIN protects filing but does not itself resolve the account investigation.