The Internal Revenue Service today expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.
The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers’ personally identifiable information.
The IRS launched the IP PIN program nearly a decade ago to protect confirmed identity theft victims from ongoing tax-related fraud. In recent years, the IRS expanded the program to specific states where taxpayers could voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program. Now, the voluntary program is going nationwide. Here are a few key things to know about the IP PIN Opt-In program:
· This is a voluntary program.
· You must pass a rigorous identity verification process.
· Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can verify their identities.
· An IP PIN is valid for a calendar year.
· You must obtain a new IP PIN each filing season.
· The online IP PIN tool is offline between November and mid-January each year.
· Correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays.
· Never share your IP PIN with anyone but your trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call, text or email requesting your IP PIN. Beware of scams to steal your IP PIN.
· There currently is no opt-out option but the IRS is working on one for 2022.
How to get an IP PIN Taxpayers who want an IP PIN for 2021 should go to IRS.gov/IPPIN and use the Get an IP PIN tool. This online process will require taxpayers to verify their identities using the Secure Access authentication process if they do not already have an IRS account. See IRS.gov/SecureAccess for what information you need to be successful. There is no need to file a Form 14039, an Identity Theft Affidavit, to opt into the program
No change for confirmed identity theft victims Taxpayers who are confirmed identity theft victims or who have filed an identity theft affidavit because of suspected stolen identity refund fraud will automatically receive an IP PIN via mail once their cases are resolved. Current tax-related identity theft victims who have been receiving IP PINs via mail will experience no change.