Do you know an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a proactive way to protect you against tax-related identity theft?
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen personal information, including Social Security numbers, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If a person suspects they are a victim of identity theft, they should continue to pay their taxes and file their tax return, even if they must file a paper return. Visit Identity Theft Central to find out more.
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It helps the IRS verify a person’s identity when they file their electronic or paper tax return. The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is by using the Get an IP PIN online tool. If someone wishes to get an IP PIN and they don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, they must register to validate their identity.