The IRS IP PIN (Identity Protection Personal Identification Number) is a six-digit code that stops criminals from filing fraudulent tax returns using your Social Security Number or ITIN. If a thief gets your SSN, they could file a fake return and steal your refund before you even realize it. An IP PIN makes this nearly impossible.

For the 2026 filing season (when you file your 2025 tax return), the IRS has made several important changes to the IP PIN program. There are now two enrollment options, new protections for families with shared custody disputes, and updated income thresholds for Form 15227 applicants.

Getting your IP PIN before sending documents to your CPA prevents delays. If your preparer e-files without the correct IP PIN, the IRS rejects the return. That means a longer wait for any refund you’re due.

This guide covers:

Why an IP PIN protects your identity and speeds up your refund
How to sign up online, by mail, or in person
How to retrieve a lost IP PIN (including for children)
The new duplicate dependent protection for 2026
Getting IP PINs for your children and dependents (with detailed steps)
Best practices for storing and sharing your IP PIN

If you’re working with a tax professional, consider reading our guide on how to choose the right tax preparer to find someone qualified to handle your return.

Updated: January 19 2026

Understanding the Benefits of an IP PIN

An IP PIN does more than add paperwork. It provides real protection that can save you months of headaches.

Enhanced Protection Against Identity Theft

Someone with your SSN can file a fraudulent return in your name. By requiring a unique six-digit IP PIN each year, the IRS ensures only you can file using your information.

Even if criminals steal your details, they can’t file a valid tax return without the correct IP PIN.

Reduced Risk of Delayed or Rejected Returns

Tax returns filed without your correct IP PIN get rejected by the IRS system, which prevents fraudulent refund claims. This also means you must enter the number accurately. Forget to include your IP PIN? The IRS may suspect fraud, resulting in holds on your return.

New for 2025-2026: Duplicate Dependent Protection

Starting with the 2025 filing season, the IRS accepts e-filed returns claiming dependents who have already been claimed on another return, as long as the primary taxpayer has a valid IP PIN.

Before this change, if someone else claimed your child first (accidentally or fraudulently), your return had to be filed on paper. That meant weeks or months of delays. Now, with an IP PIN, your e-filed return goes through normally.

This matters most for:

Shared custody situations where both parents might claim the same child
Parents whose children’s SSNs were stolen
Anyone who’s had a dependent fraudulently claimed before

The protection applies to Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-SS, and related forms like Schedule EIC, Form 2441, and Form 8863.

Peace of Mind

Tax season is stressful enough without worrying about identity theft. An IP PIN adds a barrier that blocks thieves and lets the IRS quickly identify suspicious filings.

Annual Renewal Keeps You Protected

Each year, a new IP PIN is generated for participants, usually in early January. This annual refresh means your code “self-expires,” eliminating the chance that an old code gets misused.

Available to All Taxpayers

Years ago, IP PINs were only for confirmed identity theft victims. Now, the IRS encourages everyone to sign up proactively. This inclusivity lets individuals and families add protection before suspicious activity occurs.

Works for Paper and Electronic Filings

You can use your IP PIN whether you’re e-filing or submitting paper returns. The IRS requires the same IP PIN to accept your return either way.

How to Get an IP PIN from the IRS

Whether you’re a first-time applicant or lost your CP01A notice, the process is straightforward. The IRS has streamlined enrollment in recent years to encourage broader use.

Method 1: Online Request Through an IRS Account (Fastest)

This is the quickest method. Go to the IRS website and access the “Get an IP PIN” tool through your IRS Online Account.

Step 1: Log in or create an account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to verify your identity through ID.me. This involves scanning a photo ID and confirming personal details.

Step 2: Complete verification. You may need to input personal information like account numbers from credit cards, mortgages, or auto loans. The IRS uses a third-party identity service to confirm it’s you.

Step 3: Choose your enrollment type. New for 2025, you have two options:

Continuous enrollment: You stay in the program for the current year and future years. A new IP PIN generates automatically each January.
One-time enrollment: You’re in the program for the current calendar year only. At year-end, you’re automatically opted out. You can re-enroll next year if you want.

Step 4: Retrieve your IP PIN. After successful verification, your new IP PIN displays immediately. Write it down and store it securely.

Important: The online tool is available from mid-January through mid-November each year. It’s offline for maintenance from approximately mid-November through early January.

When Does the IRS Mail IP PINs?

For confirmed identity theft victims, the IRS automatically mails a CP01A notice with the IP PIN in December or early January.

If you’re expecting an IP PIN by mail and it hasn’t arrived by mid-January, try the online tool or contact the IRS.

Each CP01A notice is year-specific. Using the correct IP PIN for the proper tax year is critical.

Method 2: Form 15227 (If You Can’t Verify Online)

If you can’t verify your identity online, complete Form 15227 (Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number). You can submit this form online through the IRS website.

Eligibility: Your adjusted gross income must be below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing jointly. (These thresholds increased in 2024.)

The process:

Submit Form 15227 online or by mail/fax
The IRS contacts you by phone to verify your identity
Once verified, you’ll receive your IP PIN by mail, usually within 4-6 weeks
After enrollment, you’ll receive a CP01A notice each January with your new IP PIN

This method is slower but works when online verification fails.

Method 3: In-Person Appointment

For those who can’t complete online or mail-in verification, schedule an in-person appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Bring valid photo identification, your SSN or ITIN, and other required documentation. An IRS employee verifies your identity face to face, then you’ll receive your IP PIN by mail.

To schedule: Call the IRS appointment line at 844-545-5640.

Note: Taxpayer Assistance Centers may have limited availability during government shutdowns or high-volume periods. Check IRS.gov for current status.

Annual Renewal

Each year, your IP PIN resets. If you enrolled online with continuous enrollment, log in to your IRS Online Account in early January to see your new six-digit IP PIN.

If you chose one-time enrollment, you’ll need to actively request a new IP PIN each year.

Using the IP PIN to File

Whether you file electronically or on paper, enter the current year’s IP PIN on your tax return. This validates your identity.

Tax software typically prompts you for the IP PIN near the signature or e-file authorization section. If you use a preparer, give them your IP PIN before they file.

For more on key filing dates, see our complete guide to 2026 federal income tax deadlines.

How to Get an IP PIN for Your Child or Dependent

Children’s SSNs are frequent targets for identity theft. A criminal can use a child’s clean credit history for years before anyone notices. Securing IP PINs for your dependents protects the whole family.

Who Can Get a Dependent IP PIN?

Any dependent listed on your tax return can get an IP PIN if they can pass identity verification requirements. This includes:

Minor children (under 18)
College students you still claim
Other dependent relatives

The process differs based on your dependent’s age.

For Dependents Age 18 and Older

If your dependent is 18 or over and already has an IRS Online Account, they can log in and request their own IP PIN.

If they’re 18 or over but don’t have an account, they can register for an ID.me account. Once their identity is verified, they log in and request an IP PIN.

This process is the same as the adult enrollment described above.

For Dependents Under 18 (Minor Children)

Here’s where it gets more involved. Minor children cannot pass the credit-based identity verification used by the online tool. You have two options:

Option A: Form 15227 (Parent/Guardian Applies)

Submit Form 15227 for your child online or by mail
Check the box indicating this is for a “dependent child or dependent relative”
Provide your contact information (the IRS calls YOU to verify)
Include the child’s SSN
The IRS contacts you by phone to verify both your identity and your relationship to the child
After verification, the child’s IP PIN is mailed to your address, usually within 4-6 weeks

Each January, you’ll receive a CP01A notice with your child’s new IP PIN.

Option B: In-Person Appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center

Schedule an appointment by calling 844-545-5640
Bring identity verification documents for YOURSELF (photo ID plus one more document)
Bring TWO identity documents for your child from this list:
- Birth certificate (must include name at birth, date of birth, and city of birth)
- Social Security card
- Health insurance card
- School records on official letterhead
- Medical records or immunization records on provider letterhead
- Daycare records on official letterhead
Proof of legal guardianship may be required if you’re not the biological parent

The IRS verifies your identity and relationship at the appointment. Your child’s IP PIN is then mailed to your address.

Retrieving a Lost or Forgotten Child IP PIN

Critical: Minor dependent IP PINs cannot be retrieved online. You must call the IRS.

Call 800-908-4490, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time).

International callers: Use 267-941-1000 (not toll free) between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern time.

If you can verify your identity with a phone representative, the IP PIN is mailed within 21 days to your address on file.

Using Your Child’s IP PIN When Filing

When you e-file your return and list dependents, there’s a field for each dependent’s IP PIN. Your return will be rejected if you fail to enter a dependent’s IP PIN.

If someone else can claim your child as a dependent (like in a shared custody situation) and your child has an IP PIN, you must share that IP PIN with them if they e-file.

For paper returns, you do not need to enter dependent IP PINs.

Why This Matters for Shared Custody

The new duplicate dependent protection makes child IP PINs even more valuable. If you’re the parent legally entitled to claim your child:

List your child on your return with their IP PIN
Your return is accepted normally
If someone else tries to claim the same child, their return is rejected

This “locks” the child to your return for that tax year, forcing the other party to prove their case (which they can’t if you have the legal right to claim).

Without an IP PIN, the IRS might process the other person’s return first simply because they filed earlier. You’d then have to paper-file and wait months for resolution.

How to Find Your IP PIN

Lost your IP PIN? Don’t panic. This happens to plenty of filers, usually right when it’s time to file.

Check Your CP01A Notice

The annual CP01A notice (mailed December or early January) lists your IP PIN for the upcoming filing season. If you keep tax documents organized, check any official IRS mail.

Log In to Your IRS Online Account

The fastest way to retrieve your IP PIN is through the online system. Navigate to the IP PIN section within your account dashboard. Your current year’s IP PIN should display if you’re enrolled.

Call the IRS

If you can’t access your online account, call the IRS. They can guide you through identity verification and help you determine your assigned IP PIN or issue a new one.

For individual IP PINs: 800-908-4490
For minor dependent IP PINs: 800-908-4490 (same number, but specify you need a dependent’s PIN)

Request a Reprint of the CP01A Notice

You can ask the IRS to resend a copy. This takes time through mail, which might slow your filing.

Verify You’re Looking for the Right Year

If you filed with an IP PIN last year, remember that PIN is expired. Make sure you’re searching for this year’s six-digit code.

Once you have your IP PIN, store it securely and share it with your tax preparer early. Our tax preparation services include secure IP PIN handling and e-file verification.

Sometimes the challenge isn’t losing your IP PIN but losing access to your IRS Online Account. Here’s how to recover.

Resetting Your IRS Online Account

Go to IRS.gov and click on the sign-in portal for Online Account or “Get an IP PIN”
Select the “Forgot Username/Password” link
Follow the prompts to verify your identity (receive a code on your phone or email, answer security questions, or re-verify your data)
Once reset, log in and retrieve your IP PIN

Calling the IRS

If you can’t complete the automated reset, an IRS representative can assist. Be prepared to provide personal details like your SSN and address history for identity verification.

Expect long hold times during peak tax season (January through April).

Filing Form 15227 or Scheduling an In-Person Appointment

If you still can’t regain access, complete the mail/fax process through Form 15227 or set an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Receiving a new IP PIN via mail takes a few weeks. Plan accordingly to avoid last-minute chaos.

Double-Check Third-Party Identity Services

The IRS uses third-party verification tools (typically ID.me). When performing online identity checks, ensure you have required documents like a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID.

If you changed your phone number or moved recently, update that information first.

Opting Out of the IP PIN Program

New for 2025: If you enrolled in the IP PIN program online and have not been a victim of tax-related identity theft, you can opt out through your IRS Online Account.

Go to your profile tab and select the OPT OUT option.

Important considerations before opting out:

Once you opt out, you lose the duplicate dependent protection
Your identity is no longer verified by the extra PIN requirement
If you change your mind later, you’ll need to re-enroll

Most taxpayers benefit from staying in the program. The annual hassle of retrieving a new PIN is minimal compared to the headache of identity theft.

Best Practices for Using Your IP PIN

Having an IP PIN is only step one. Proper use and storage matter.

Store It Securely

Keep your IP PIN documentation in a locked file cabinet or password-protected digital folder. A password manager works well. Don’t carry it in your wallet or store it in unprotected phone notes.

If you use a CPA or tax professional, provide your IP PIN when you hand over other documents. This ensures they include it in the e-file, preventing rejections.

If you forget to give your preparer the IP PIN, your return might get delayed, especially if they attempt e-filing without it.

For more on what to expect from a tax professional, see our comparison of CPAs vs. tax preparers.

Confirm You’re Using the Right Year’s IP PIN

Your IP PIN changes every tax season. Make sure you have the current six-digit code. Using an expired IP PIN causes automatic rejection.

Beware of scam phone calls, text messages, or emails claiming to be from the IRS asking for your IP PIN. The IRS will never call, email, or text a request for your IP PIN. Verify authenticity first, especially for unsolicited requests.

Monitor Your Tax Account

Even with an IP PIN, stay vigilant. Log in to your IRS Online Account periodically to check for unusual activity. Watch for unexpected IRS notices. If you receive a letter about a return you didn’t file, contact the IRS immediately.

Renew Annually

Mark your calendar for early January to check for your new IP PIN. If enrolled with continuous enrollment online, log in to retrieve your new code.

Retain Documentation

Save copies of all notices, IP PIN confirmations, or forms you submit to the IRS. If filing discrepancies arise, these documents prove helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IRS IP PIN, and do I need one if I haven’t been a victim of identity theft?

An IRS IP PIN is a unique six-digit number the IRS uses to verify a taxpayer’s identity on a return. You don’t have to be an identity theft victim to request one. The IRS recommends all interested taxpayers sign up to reduce the chance of fraudulent filings before they happen.

When does the IRS mail IP PIN notices, and what if I miss mine?

The IRS sends CP01A notices in December or early January. If you’re supposed to receive one but it hasn’t arrived by mid-January, log in to your IRS Online Account to retrieve your IP PIN or call 800-908-4490.

You have two alternatives. First, fill out Form 15227 and submit it online (or mail/fax it). The IRS verifies your identity by phone. Second, schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center with your ID documents. After verification, the IRS mails your IP PIN.

What’s the income limit for Form 15227?

Your adjusted gross income must be below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing jointly. These thresholds increased in 2024.

Can I get an IP PIN for my minor child?

Yes, but children under 18 cannot use the online tool. You must either submit Form 15227 on their behalf or schedule an in-person appointment. Both methods require verifying your identity and your relationship to the child.

How do I retrieve a lost IP PIN for my child?

Minor dependent IP PINs cannot be retrieved online. Call 800-908-4490, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. If you verify your identity with the phone representative, the PIN is mailed within 21 days.

What’s the difference between continuous and one-time enrollment?

Continuous enrollment keeps you in the program indefinitely. You’ll get a new IP PIN each January without re-enrolling. One-time enrollment covers only the current calendar year. At year-end, you’re automatically opted out and must actively re-enroll if you want an IP PIN for the next year.

What if someone else claims my dependent before I file?

With the new duplicate dependent protection (starting 2025 filing season), if you have a valid IP PIN, the IRS accepts your e-filed return even if someone else already claimed that dependent. Without an IP PIN, you’d have to paper-file and wait for manual review.

Does having an IP PIN guarantee I won’t be a victim of tax fraud?

An IP PIN doesn’t provide a guarantee, but it significantly lowers the risk of criminals successfully filing a fraudulent return in your name. Any return missing your six-digit code gets rejected.

Can I opt out of the IP PIN program?

Yes, if you enrolled online and haven’t been an identity theft victim, you can opt out through your IRS Online Account. Go to your profile tab and select the opt-out option.

Conclusion

The IRS IP PIN program is one of the most effective free tools available to protect against tax-related identity theft. By verifying your identity, retrieving your IP PIN, and sharing it securely with your tax preparer, you help ensure your return gets accepted quickly and accurately.

The program is available to all taxpayers, including children and dependents. For families dealing with shared custody or concerned about dependent fraud, the new duplicate dependent protection makes enrollment especially valuable.

Getting your IP PIN early shortens refund wait times and prevents last-minute scrambles. Whether you’re working with a professional or filing independently, having this six-digit number ready makes a difference.

For a complete overview of important dates, see our guide to 2026 federal income tax deadlines.

If you need help with tax preparation and want a team that handles the details, learn about our tax preparation services or contact us for a consultation.

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