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What is an Identity Protection Pin (IP Pin)?

What is an Identity Protection Pin (IP Pin)?

This article discusses what an IP PIN is, how to apply for an IP PIN, and how to enter an IP PIN.


What is an IP PIN?

  • An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to taxpayers or dependents that helps prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.

  • Once someone has an IP PIN, they will receive an IP Pin every year.

  • Once issued an IP Pin in order to e-file the IP Pin must be entered on the tax return.

  • IP Pins can be issued to taxpayers, spouses, or dependents.

  • An IP pin issued in December is good for all returns filed in the following calendar year.

  • Taxpayers and dependents over the age of 18 can request and retrieve IP Pin's through the IRS website.

  • At this time dependent IP PINs for dependents under the age of 18, must be applied for on paper and cannot be requested or retrieved online.

    • The guardian of the dependent should complete and submit IRS Form 15227.


Taxpayers may utilize the following IRS links as needed:

To request an IP Pin

To retrieve an IP Pin


Where do I Enter IP PIN Information on the Return?

Taxpayer/Spouse IP PIN

Taxpayer and spouse IP PINs are entered on the Client Data Page above the id information for the federal return.

image-20241029-151904.png

Dependent IP PIN

Dependent IP PINs are entered on the Client Data Page in the Worksheets of the dependent information section.

  1. Select any field in the dependent section and then select Worksheets.

    image-20241029-152201.png

  2. Enter the IP PIN in for the desired dependent.



Amended Return IP PIN

If the taxpayer or spouse has an IP PIN on the original return, that will carry over to the 1040-X automatically. If for some reason they get an IP PIN after originally filing, be sure to enter it in the Signature section of Form 1040-X.

 

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