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IRS Identity Protection PIN: What It Is and How Often It Renews
What an IRS IP PIN is, what it prevents, and why the IRS issues a new one every calendar year.
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Updated: Sources: 1
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What matters now
- An IP PIN is a six-digit number tied to your SSN or ITIN that blocks fraudulent returns filed under that number.
- An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and the IRS generates a new one for your account every year.
- Form 15227's adjusted gross income limits are under $84,000 (individuals) or $168,000 (joint), for filers not automatically enrolled.
- Taxpayers who can't verify online or via Form 15227 may schedule an in-person Taxpayer Assistance Center visit.
An IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is “a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)” (IRS). It does not last indefinitely: the IRS states that “an IP PIN is valid for one calendar year,” and “a new IP PIN is generated each year for your account” (IRS).
This original record-reading guide is a general reading aid, not cited evidence. It does not depict a source record; the article text and source links provide the facts.
Key points
- An IP PIN is a six-digit number tied to your SSN or ITIN that blocks someone else from filing a return using that number (IRS).
- It is valid for one calendar year only, and the IRS generates a new one for your account each year (IRS).
- If you aren’t automatically enrolled, Form 15227’s adjusted gross income limits are below $84,000 (individuals) or $168,000 (married filing jointly) (IRS).
- If you can’t verify your identity online or through Form 15227, or you’re ineligible for Form 15227, you can make an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (IRS).
What an IP PIN Does
The IRS defines the IP PIN plainly: it is “a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)” (IRS).
This article reports the IRS’s definition and does not describe how an IP PIN is used on a particular return.
How Long an IP PIN Lasts
An IP PIN is not a one-time or permanent credential. According to the IRS, “an IP PIN is valid for one calendar year” (IRS). The IRS also confirms that renewal is automatic on its end: “a new IP PIN is generated each year for your account” (IRS).
This article does not address a particular taxpayer’s eligibility, an existing fraudulent filing, or any recovery process.
Applying for an IP PIN
Some taxpayers are not automatically issued an IP PIN and instead apply for one. One route the IRS lists is “Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number” (IRS). The IRS states the form’s income limits this way: “adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $84,000 for Individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint” (IRS).
The record consulted for this article does not state a general rule on whether an IP PIN is required or optional for any particular taxpayer’s own situation; it describes only the enrollment and application paths above.
If Other Options Fail
The IRS also provides an in-person option for taxpayers who can’t complete the other paths. As the IRS states, “if you’re unable to verify your identity online or with the Form 15227 process or you are ineligible to file Form 15227, you may make an appointment for an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center” (IRS).
Source links
https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin