IRS IP PINs Now Available to All Taxpayers

An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a unique six-digit number that is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify your identity when you file your tax return. The IRS issues an IP PIN for those taxpayers who have been victims of identity theft, however, you are now able to request an IP PIN as a proactive way to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft.

The fastest way to obtain an IP PIN is through the IRS website, where you will have to create an ID.me account (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) – select “Get an IP PIN,” and then select “ID.me Create an account.” You will be directed to the ID.me log-in/ registration page. The online IP PIN tool is available from mid-January through mid-November. When registering for an ID.me account, you will have to verify your identity with documentation, such as your driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Please note, if you have an existing IRS username, you will need to create a new ID.me account. Starting in the summer of 2022, existing users will no longer be able to log in with their existing username and password. In addition to requesting an IP PIN through this account, you can view your balance, view or create payment plans, make and view payments, manage communication preferences, access tax records, and view tax pro authorizations.

If you cannot successfully validate your identity through the ID.me account, there are two alternatives to obtain an IP PIN. The first alternative is filing Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number. For this option, you must have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, an adjusted gross income on your last filed return of $73,000 or less (Single) or $146,000 or less (Married Filing Joint), and access to a telephone. The IRS will use the phone number provided on the application to call and validate your identity. IP PINs are then provided via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) within four weeks. The second alternative is to request in-person authentication at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. You will have to provide a current government-issued picture identification document and another identification document to validate your identity. IP PINs are then provided via USPS within three weeks.

Please remember to provide your IP PIN(s) with your tax return information so there are no problems or hold ups when we e-file your tax returns.

Please contact our office if you have any questions on the IP PIN process.

Santora CPA Group
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