To generate an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), you must meet certain criteria. The IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent fraudulent tax returns. Here’s how you can obtain an IP PIN:
- Eligibility:
- You must be a confirmed victim of identity theft.
- You must have received a CP01A Notice from the IRS, which informs you that you are eligible for an IP PIN.
- Get Your IP PIN Online:
- Visit the IRS’s “Get an IP PIN” tool on their official website.
- Follow the instructions to verify your identity. You’ll need information from your latest tax return, including your Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, filing status, and mailing address.
- Create an Account:
- If you don’t already have an IRS account, you’ll need to create one during the process. This account will allow you to retrieve your IP PIN in the future.
- Retrieve Your IP PIN:
- Once your identity is verified, the system will provide you with your six-digit IP PIN.
- Use Your IP PIN:
- When filing your tax return, enter the IP PIN where prompted. This adds an extra layer of security to your tax filing process.
- Note the Annual Renewal:
- If you receive an IP PIN, remember that it changes every year. The IRS will mail you a new one each year to the address they have on file.
- Recovery Options:
- If you lose your IP PIN or forget it, you can use the “Get an IP PIN” tool to retrieve it.
Remember that the IRS Identity Protection PIN is currently available only to individuals who have been confirmed as victims of identity theft. If you haven’t been a victim but are interested in additional ways to secure your tax account, you can explore other options provided by the IRS for identity verification and protection.
“As the 2024 tax season rapidly approaches, Tax Professional Awareness Week highlights the vital role they play in helping taxpayers and our nation,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Tax professionals play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of our tax system. We continue to urge taxpayers who need help to reach out to a trusted tax professional, including those who work with recognized national organizations.”
A significant number of taxpayers eligible for refundable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit choose to enlist the assistance of tax preparers and rely on paid tax professionals to accurately file their returns. The IRS reminds taxpayers to make sure they choose a trusted, respected tax professional for help. The IRS has more information available to help taxpayers select a tax professional.
As a reminder, taxpayers can also use the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. For available more information and locations, see free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers.
During the week, the IRS will focus on several critical topics often faced by tax professionals through social media posts and outreach materials:
- Due diligence issues
- Electronic filing identification numbers (EFINs)
- Preparer tax identification numbers (PTINs)
- E-file
- E-Services
- Identity theft
The IRS will also present two important webinars:
- Wednesday, Jan. 10: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions on Due Diligence
- Friday, Jan. 12: Sailing Through the Rules of Refundable Tax Credits
The IRS webinars will include information on additional resources, training and tools available, at no charge, to tax professionals through the online Tax Return Preparer Toolkit. Attendees can earn Continuing Professional Education credit for attending the live webinars.
In addition to the IRS webinars, other training opportunities will be available during Tax Professional Awareness Week at courses, seminars or expos presented by members of the tax professional community including the Texas Society of CPAs, the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan.
Conclusion
With the tragic crises and natural disasters happening around the globe, many are responding to the call to give what they can to help. The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to be wary of criminals soliciting donations and falsely posing as legitimate charities.
