Protecting Your Tax Identity: How to Obtain an IRS PIN

As we approach the upcoming tax season, I want to share an important tool to help safeguard your personal information and prevent tax-related identity theft: the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

What is an IP PIN? An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers. It helps the IRS verify your identity and prevents someone else from filing a fraudulent federal income tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Why should you get one?

• Prevent Fraud: It acts as a "second factor" of authentication for your tax return.
• Security: Even if a criminal has your SSN, they cannot file a return electronically without your specific PIN.
• Peace of Mind: Once you opt into the program, the IRS will send you a new PIN every year.

How to get your IP PIN: The fastest way to obtain your PIN is through the IRS "Get an IP PIN" tool. You will need to verify your identity through an ID.me account if you do not already have one.

1. Visit the IRS IP PIN page.
2. Click the "Get an IP PIN" button to start the online application.
3. Once assigned, please keep this number in a secure place.

Important Note for Our Filing Process: If you choose to obtain an IP PIN, you must provide it to us when you submit your tax documents. We cannot electronically file your return without it, and an incorrect or missing PIN will result in the IRS rejecting your return.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this process or how it affects your tax preparation.

Best regards,

Daniel F. Magrino & Staff