The IRS has reactivated its Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program, providing a crucial defense against tax-related identity theft. With the 2025 tax season approaching, the IRS strongly encourages all US taxpayers to proactively safeguard their identities by enrolling in this free program.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number unique to each taxpayer, required when filing a tax return. This PIN is valid for the current tax year and changes annually. Because the IP PIN is known only to the taxpayer, their accountant (if applicable), and the IRS, it prevents scammers from filing fraudulent returns using a taxpayer’s Social Security number and personal information.
“As the 2025 tax season approaches, the IRS encourages all taxpayers to take an important step to safeguard their identity by signing up for an identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN),” stated an IRS announcement last October.
The agency temporarily suspended the program in December for system maintenance but relaunched it this week. Taxpayers who have previously experienced tax-related identity theft are automatically enrolled. However, the IRS recommends all taxpayers apply for an IP PIN to reduce the risk of fraudulent returns, particularly in light of the recent National Public Data data breach, which exposed Social Security numbers of over 100 million people . Last year, the IRS’s Taxpayer Protection Program flagged 2.8 million suspicious tax returns.
How to Obtain an IP PIN
Taxpayers can acquire an IP PIN by creating an account and verifying their identity on the IRS website through ID.me. After verifying and logging in, navigate to the profile section and opt into the Identity Protection PIN program. Enrollment options include “Continuous enrollment,” which provides a new PIN each year, and “One-time enrollment,” covering the current tax year. The IRS recommends continuous enrollment for ongoing protection from fraudulent activity.
Alternatively, individuals who are unable to register online can request a PIN by submitting Form 15227, given their adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less, or $158,000 or less for those married filing jointly. Taxpayers can also schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
The IRS advises enrolling in the IP PIN program as early as possible in the calendar year, as cybercriminals often attempt to file fraudulent tax returns before legitimate taxpayers.
Obtaining an IP PIN is free but essential. It can save taxpayers from the stress and time-consuming efforts related to resolving tax-related identity theft, often not discovered until a legitimate return is rejected because a fraudulent one was already filed.
