Filing season is underway, which is also a high time for fraudsters to use this as an opportunity to capture sensitive taxpayer information to their benefit. To help minimize fraudulent activity and reduce the chances of identity theft, our individual and business tax pros encourage taxpayers to leverage the use of identity protection PINs (IP PINs) to file returns.

What is an IP PIN? 

An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you, your tax preparer and the IRS and helps verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. Even though you may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects your account. Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN, including individuals living abroad.

How to get an IP PIN

The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through IRS Online Account. If you don’t already have an IRS.gov account, you must register to validate your identity. Once verified, taxpayers need to click on the profile tab to request their IP PIN. IP PIN users must use this number when filing their federal tax returns for the current calendar year and any previous years filed during that same period. An updated IP PIN will be sent to the taxpayer each year to be used on any returns filed that year.

Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN, if they can pass the identity verification process. Once an IP PIN is issued, it must be on both electronic and paper returns.

Recent IRS Changes

To further enhance taxpayer protection and avoid refund delays for the 2025 filing season, the IRS announced it will accept certain e-filed tax returns from taxpayers with dependents who have already been claimed on another’s taxpayer’s return, provided an IP PIN is used. According to the IRS, this change will reduce the time for the organization to receive the tax return and accelerate the issuance of tax refunds for those with duplicate dependent returns. In previous years, the second tax return had to be filed by paper.

Here to Help 

Our tax pros are here to help you navigate through this filing season seamlessly and ensure the appropriate measures are taken to keep your information protected. To obtain assistance with your 2025 filing needs, contact us today.