Compare the notices before taking action
| Notice | Meaning and next step |
|---|---|
| CP01 | Identity-theft claim verified; an account indicator was placed. Keep the notice. It does not itself require additional action. |
| CP01A | Annual IP PIN notice. Use the assigned six-digit PIN in the proper return field and keep it private. |
These meanings come from the IRS pages for CP01 and CP01A. Read the complete notice you received, including the year and any accompanying correspondence.
What CP01 means for your account
The IRS says CP01 follows verification of your identity-theft claim and placement of an indicator so it can monitor the account. Its CP01 instructions say no additional action is needed for that notice. Save it with your tax records and continue to meet filing deadlines.
That description is not a promise of a particular refund amount or deposit date. If other correspondence asks for information, respond to that request. For ongoing account review, see what happens after reporting tax identity theft.
The IRS CP01 guidance also explains the IP PIN protection that follows. An annual PIN may arrive by mail, or you may retrieve it in your online account if you selected paperless delivery. Keep the annual retrieval step on your filing checklist.
What to do with CP01A
CP01A contains your six-digit IP PIN. The IRS instructions explain entering it in the appropriate field for Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040-SS. Share it only as needed with the trusted preparer filing your return.
Use the current calendar year’s PIN for returns filed during that year, including prior-year returns, under IRS IP PIN guidance. A spouse or dependent with an assigned PIN uses their own number. Do not copy one person’s PIN into everyone’s fields.
If you misplaced the notice, follow the IP PIN recovery guide. The IRS says CP01A can be viewed or downloaded through an Individual Online Account. Lack of a mailed notice does not establish that no PIN is required, particularly with paperless delivery.
Do I need Form 14039 after receiving CP01A?
The IRS CP01A page says another affidavit is not needed unless there is a new identity-theft incident after the notice. Do not send a repeat affidavit merely because you received an annual PIN. For a new incident, review the current Form 14039 conditions and any IRS instructions.
A PIN protects filing; it does not automatically resolve every account issue or authorize a new original return for a year already filed. If your software rejects the PIN, use the IP PIN troubleshooting guide and preserve the exact error.
How these differ from a verification letter
An identity-verification letter asks you to take specific steps to establish your identity and confirm a return. The IRS Verify your return page identifies the notices and letters supported by its online service. Follow the actual letter’s route and deadline; receiving CP01 or CP01A is not, by itself, an instruction to use that service.
If the return mentioned was not yours, use the someone-filed-in-my-name guide alongside the IRS letter. For an unexplained rejection without a notice, begin with the SSN already used checks.
For a separate request to verify identity and a return, use the verification-letter route guide.
Official sources and review date
IRS sources are linked beside the guidance they support. Reviewed October 7, 2026, including the current February 2026 Form 14039 where relevant. Follow the instructions for your return year and any IRS notice. This is general information; the correct response depends on your circumstances.