Obtaining an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) issued by the IRS is a proactive step that you can take to verify your identity when you file your tax return and help protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. The IP PIN prevents anyone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
The Identify Protection IP PIN is a six-digit number, which prevents the misuse of Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns. The IP PIN acts as a “second verification” of the taxpayer’s identity. If a taxpayer receives an IP PIN, this six-digit number must be entered at the time of filing their return in order for the return to be successfully filed.
How to get an IP PIN
Wegner CPAS strongly urges our clients to visit the IRS website and use the Get an IP PIN tool to receive your IP PIN and protect themselves this tax season.
When using the online IP PIN tool, you must have the following information ready:
- Email address
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
- Tax filing status and mailing address
- One financial account number linked to your name, such as:
- Credit card – last 8 digits (no American Express, debit or corporate cards), or
- Student loan – account number provided on your statement, or
- Mortgage or home equity loan, or
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC), or
- Auto loan
- Mobile phone linked to your name (for faster registration), or your mailing address
Although at first glance it may not seem that a simple IP PIN would provide much protection against identity fraud, these six-digit numbers are actually extremely powerful.
These IP PINs can help put your mind at ease and take one more thing off your already full plate. If you have any questions, please get in touch with your Wegner CPAs tax advisor.
