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To set up an IRS Identity Protection PIN, sign in to your IRS Online Account, open Profile, and choose the IP PIN section. If you cannot verify your identity online, you may be able to enroll with Form 15227 or by appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
What an IRS IP PIN does and who can get one
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number the IRS generates annually to help prevent someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can request one proactively; you do not need to have experienced identity theft. Anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity may enroll. The PIN is for applicable federal tax returns, not a general account password.
The IRS describes online enrollment as the fastest route. Your options depend on whether you can use an online account and, if not, whether you meet the Form 15227 eligibility rules.
Choose an enrollment route
| Route | Who it suits | Identity check and timing |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Online Account | People who can create or access an account and verify their identity. | Complete the account identity validation if prompted, then enroll in Profile. The IRS calls this the fastest method. |
| Form 15227 | People unable to verify online who meet the IRS adjusted gross income limits based on their last-filed return: less than $84,000 for an individual or less than $168,000 for married filing jointly. The IRS lists these limits in its guidance accessed October 4, 2026; check the current rules before applying. | The IRS may call to validate your identity. This form requests new enrollment; it cannot recover a PIN already assigned. |
| Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment | People who cannot use the online route and are not eligible for Form 15227, or who need in-person identity verification. | Schedule an appointment with the IRS and bring identity documents. The IRS may require proof of legal guardianship for a dependent. |
Enroll through an IRS Online Account
- Go to the IRS Get an IP PIN page and access your IRS Online Account.
- If you do not have an account, register and complete the identity validation steps. If you cannot complete them, use the alternative-route guidance below.
- After signing in, open Profile and select the IP PIN section.
- Choose continuous enrollment if you want to remain enrolled in future years. Choose one-time enrollment if you want enrollment for the current calendar year only; it automatically ends at calendar year-end.
- Follow the account instructions to complete enrollment. Keep the PIN secure and return to your account when you need to retrieve it.
The IRS says it will never call, email, or text you to request your IP PIN. Do not disclose it in response to an unsolicited message or call.
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If you cannot verify your identity online
Apply with Form 15227 if you meet the limits
For a new enrollment request, the IRS accepts Form 15227 from eligible applicants whose adjusted gross income on their last-filed return is below the limits in the table above. Follow the form’s current instructions. The IRS may contact you by phone to verify your identity. Do not send this form to retrieve a PIN you already have.
Request an in-person appointment when the form route does not fit
If you are not eligible to use Form 15227 or need identity verification in person, schedule a Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment through the IRS. Bring the identity documents specified by the IRS for your situation. For a dependent, a parent or guardian may need to bring proof of legal guardianship.
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Request a PIN for a dependent
An adult dependent who can establish an IRS Online Account can request a PIN there. An adult dependent who does not have an account can register and verify their identity. For a dependent under 18 or someone unable to establish an ID.me account, a parent or guardian may submit Form 15227 or request an in-person appointment, subject to the IRS’s identity-document and eligibility requirements.
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The IRS generates a new PIN annually. If you enrolled online, retrieve each year’s number from your IRS Online Account: sign in, open Profile, and go to the IP PIN section. The IRS says online enrollees will not receive a CP01A notice. Its Get an IP PIN guidance says the current number is generally viewable from mid-January through mid-November.
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Find a lost or missing PIN
- First sign in to your IRS Online Account and retrieve the current PIN from Profile > IP PIN.
- If you cannot access it there, call the IRS IP PIN line at 800-908-4490, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. An IRS assistor must verify your identity.
- After verification, the IRS says it generally mails the PIN to your address of record within 21 days.
Mail reissue may be unavailable during the annual maintenance period, normally November through mid-January, and in some first-year enrollment situations. A minor’s PIN cannot be retrieved online. If you cannot get a replacement and cannot access your account, the IRS says you may mail a paper return without the PIN; processing and any refund may be delayed. Check the IRS lost or missing PIN guidance for current exceptions and instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Enter the PIN correctly when you file
Include an assigned IP PIN on applicable federal returns filed during the year, including prior-year and amended returns. On a joint return, each spouse who has an IP PIN must enter their own. An incorrectly entered or missing PIN may cause an electronically filed return to be rejected. If you cannot locate the number, retrieve it or contact the IRS rather than guessing.
Quick Recap
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- Personal Information Protection: there are 4 pieces of address blocker roller stamps in 2 different sizes, and 5 pieces of 1.5 ml inks, a total of 9 pieces. Mainly applied to hide information such as social security numbers, bank statements, billing addresses, shipping addresses, tax documents and so on, protecting your personal information
- Re Inking Unlimitedly: the information blocker stamp can cover information of the length about 100 meters. And each security stamper roller has an oil hole, so you don't have to worry about you having to throw away the roller stamps when the ink runs out. They can be refilled with oil for repeated use, saving time and energy
- Cover Fast: our identity protection rollers come in 2 different sizes, and you can choose different sizes according to different areas of information to cover large amounts of private information in a fast and clean way, avoiding identity theft and rejecting privacy disclosure harassment
- Easy to Use: just remove the lid on the ID stamp blocker roller and open it, and then gently slide it on the place where the information needs to be covered. It is suitable for most ordinary paper with black words, and can protect your personal privacy in time
- Save Time and Energy: compared with the shredder, the personal confidential stamp has a small size, easy to carry, can be applied anytime and anywhere. Compared to the marker, it covers a larger area and can be quickly covered with a single swipe. There is no need to worry about whether you can not protect your privacy in time
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- Personal Information Protection: there are 4 pieces of address blocker roller stamps in 2 different sizes, and 5 pieces of 1.5 ml inks, a total of 9 pieces. Mainly applied to hide information such as social security numbers, bank statements, billing addresses, shipping addresses, tax documents and so on, protecting your personal information
- Re Inking Unlimitedly: the information blocker stamp can cover information of the length about 100 meters. And each security stamper roller has an oil hole, so you don't have to worry about you having to throw away the roller stamps when the ink runs out. They can be refilled with oil for repeated use, saving time and energy
- Cover Fast: our identity protection rollers come in 2 different sizes, and you can choose different sizes according to different areas of information to cover large amounts of private information in a fast and clean way, avoiding identity theft and rejecting privacy disclosure harassment
- Easy to Use: just remove the lid on the ID stamp blocker roller and open it, and then gently slide it on the place where the information needs to be covered. It is suitable for most ordinary paper with black words, and can protect your personal privacy in time
- Save Time and Energy: compared with the shredder, the personal confidential stamp has a small size, easy to carry, can be applied anytime and anywhere. Compared to the marker, it covers a larger area and can be quickly covered with a single swipe. There is no need to worry about whether you can not protect your privacy in time
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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