Get Your IRS IP PIN (Identity Protection Personal Identification Number)

The IRS Identity Protection PIN Program is open to all taxpayers.  The Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit code issued directly to the taxpayer by the IRS.  The PIN program helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayer's personally identifiable information.  Here's how it works:  The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is entered on your 1040 tax return.  Once the return is received by the IRS, they immediately check to see if the PIN number matches the number they issued to you.  If it doesn't match, the return is immediately rejected by the IRS.  To get a PIN, visit IRS.gov/IPPIN.  You must pass a rigorous identity verification process, so make sure you read through the list of information you'll need before starting the enrollment process.  We recommend clients take advantage of this new security feature and request a PIN from the IRS.  If you choose to participate, you will need to provide us a copy of the letter that is mailed to you, or a printout of the PIN number that is issued to you online. Note: if you were previously enrolled in the PIN program, you do not need to re-enroll. 

Have this 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:
    • Credit card – last 8 digits (no American Express, debit or corporate cards) or
    • Student loan – (Enter the student loan account number provided on your statement. The account number may contain both numbers and letters. Do not include any symbols.) Additionally, we can't verify student loans issued by Nelnet. 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 ability to receive an activation code by mail​

Verification Troubleshooting

Mailing Address

Enter the address listed on your most recently filed tax return. Make sure the address you enter exactly matches how it appears on your tax return.
  • If you recently moved:
    Enter the address from the last return you filed, even if it’s not your current address. We only use this address for identity verification.
  • If you just filed a tax return with a new address:
    Try entering your old address instead. Newly submitted returns may take several weeks to process.
  • If you recently filed your first tax return:
    Select the radio button labeled 'I have not filed a tax return in the past seven years' from the ‘Filing Status’ options, if available.
  • If you are known and addressed by a single legal name or mononym:
    Please enter a hyphen (-) in the first name field and your name in the last name field. If your legal document lists “FNU”, First Name Unknown, as your first name you may need to enter “FNU” instead of “-” as your first name.
Format PO Box, foreign and military addresses as follows:
  • PO Box
    In the ‘Address Line 1’ field, enter ‘PO Box’ without periods and the number.
  • Foreign Address
    Enter your city, county, province or other jurisdiction in the ‘City’ field. There’s no field for Zip/Postal code. If you have an international mailing address, the only IRS.gov tool for which you can register is the Online Payment Agreement and you must request an activation code by postal mail. Generally, taxpayers or tax professionals with international addresses will be unable to register for Get Transcript Online, View Your Tax Account, Get an Identity Protection PIN or e-Services tools for tax professionals.
  • Military Address
    Enter APO, FPO or DPO in the ‘City’ field. Select AA, AE, or AP from the ‘State/U.S. Territory’ field.