Protect Your Tax Identity: Why You Should Consider an IRS IP PIN Now

You don’t have to wait until tax season to protect your next tax return. This fall, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to secure their online accounts and consider adding an extra layer of protection: an Identity Protection PIN.

In an October 22 reminder, the agency highlighted steps taxpayers can take now to help prevent someone else from filing a federal tax return using their personal information. With filing season approaching, it’s a good time to understand how this protection works.

What Does an IP PIN Do?

An Identity Protection PIN, or IP PIN, is a six-digit number that helps the IRS confirm your identity when you file a federal tax return. It helps prevent another person from filing a return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

You don’t need to have experienced identity theft to request one. Eligible taxpayers who can verify their identity can enroll proactively.

The fastest way to get an IP PIN is through your IRS Individual Online Account. If you cannot verify your identity online, the IRS offers alternative enrollment methods.

Why Consider Enrolling Before Mid-November?

The IRS says taxpayers planning to file early in 2027 should request an IP PIN before the online system closes for annual maintenance in mid-November. The system generally becomes available again in mid-January.

Keep in mind that an IP PIN changes each calendar year. If you enroll online this fall, you will generally need to retrieve your new 2027 PIN before filing a return next year. Your 2026 number will not carry over.

Know What to Keep Private

Your IRS account password and your IP PIN serve different purposes.

Keep your online account username and password private. Your tax preparer does not need your login credentials to prepare your return.

Your IP PIN should be shared only with your trusted tax professional when you are ready to prepare and submit your return. The IRS will never call, email, text, or contact you through social media to ask for it.

An unexpected request for your PIN should be treated as a warning sign.

Remember Your PIN When It’s Time to File

Once you have an IP PIN, providing the correct number is an important part of filing your return. An incorrect or missing PIN can cause an electronic return to be rejected or delay processing of a paper return.

Add “retrieve current IP PIN” to your tax preparation checklist, along with gathering your income statements and other tax documents.

Get Ready for Filing Season With Confidence

Protecting your information is part of preparing for tax season. Taking care of account security now gives you one less task to handle when it’s time to file.

Have an IP PIN or questions about providing tax documents securely? Contact John Pharr CPA before sending sensitive information so our team can guide you through the appropriate process.

Source: IRS, “IRS reminder: Take steps now to protect tax information,” October 22, 2026; IRS, “Get an identity protection PIN.”