The IRS has relaunched its Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program, urging U.S. taxpayers to enroll in it for enhanced security against identity theft and fraudulent tax returns. The IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to each taxpayer, which must be used when filing tax returns. This number is only valid for the current tax year, and a new one is issued annually. The PIN is known only to the taxpayer, their accountant, and the IRS, preventing scammers from filing fraudulent returns using the taxpayer’s Social Security Number and personal details.
Taxpayers who have been victims of tax-related identity theft are automatically enrolled.
Taxpayers who have been victims of tax-related identity theft are automatically enrolled in the IP PIN program. However, the IRS strongly encourages all taxpayers to apply for this program proactively to guard against potential tax fraud. The need for this measure has been amplified this year due to the exposure of over 100 million Social Security Numbers in the National Public Data breach, making it more important than ever for individuals to protect their personal data from malicious actors.
To obtain an IP PIN, taxpayers can create an account on the IRS website and verify their identity using ID.me. After verification, they can opt into the program by selecting either “Continuous enrollment,” which provides an IP PIN every year, or “One-time enrollment,” which only covers the current year. For those unable to register online, an alternative option is to submit Form 15227 or schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. Enrolling early in the year is recommended, as cybercriminals often try to file returns before legitimate taxpayers can submit their filings.
Once enrolled, taxpayers will receive their IP PIN via their IRS account or in the mail. It’s crucial to keep the IP PIN private, sharing it only with an accountant if necessary for filing. While the IP PIN program is free to join, it provides essential protection for taxpayers, reducing the risk of fraud and offering peace of mind during the tax season.
