Category: Identity Protection

🔍 A Secret Code That Protects Your Taxes

An IP PIN (Identity Protection Personal Identification Number) is a 6-digit code from the IRS that keeps your tax return safe from scammers. It acts like a secret password that proves your identity when you file.

If someone tries to use your Social Security number to file a fake return, the IRS will stop it—unless they have your IP PIN (and they won’t!).

💡 Why Is It Important?

Each year, the IRS blocks millions of suspicious tax filings. But when you have an IP PIN, it adds a lock that only you and the IRS can open. That means your tax refund goes where it belongs—to you.

✅ Who Should Get an IP PIN?

• You were a victim of identity theft reported to the IRS
• You received a CP01A notice
• You want to prevent future tax fraud, even if nothing happened yet
• Parents can get an IP PIN for their minor children

🔄 IP PIN vs. Self-Select PIN

Only the IRS can issue your IP PIN. If you lose it, you must sign in at irs.gov/ippin to recover or renew it.

📅 How to Use It

• Your IP PIN is valid for 1 year
• You’ll receive a new code each year (by mail or online)
• Required when e-filing federal returns
• If filing jointly, both spouses may need a separate IP PIN

Note: Filing without your IP PIN will cause the IRS to reject your return.

🧾 How to Get an IP PIN

1. Visit https://www.irs.gov/ippin
2. Sign in with your IRS.gov account
3. Verify your identity
4. Get your 6-digit IP PIN

Some people will receive their IP PIN in the mail automatically if they’ve previously had identity theft flagged with the IRS.

🧠 Real-Life Example

Someone files a fake return using your name. The IRS stops it because they don’t have your IP PIN. That’s how the system protects your refund and identity.

🚨 Scam Prevention Tip

⚠️ The IRS will never email, text, or call to ask for your IP PIN or personal information. If someone does—it's a scam.

Learn more: 👉 How the IRS Really Contacts You

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