Updated Aug. 16, 2026
If you want an IRS Identity Protection PIN in 2026, the fastest route is your IRS Online Account. Anyone with a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number can request a free six digit PIN after verifying their identity. The number helps stop someone else from using your information on a federal tax return.
The IRS issued Tax Tip 2026 56 on July 16, 2026. Its message is practical: an IP PIN can add a layer of protection, but the IRS will never call, email, text, or message you through social media to ask for the number.
What Is An IRS Identity Protection PIN
An IP PIN is a six digit number known to you and the IRS. A new number is generated each year. If you have an IP PIN requirement, you must include the current number on federal returns filed during the calendar year.
The PIN is used with Forms 1040, 1040 NR, 1040 PR, 1040 SR, 1040 SS, and 1040 X. It is not a general password for your IRS account, and you should not share it with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
How To Get An IRS Identity Protection PIN In 2026
The IRS says the quickest method is the Get An IP PIN tool through your IRS Online Account.
- Open the official IRS page for the IP PIN program.
- Sign in to your IRS Online Account, or create one and complete identity verification.
- Open your profile and choose the IP PIN option.
- Select continuous enrollment for current and future years, or one time enrollment for the current calendar year.
- Retrieve the number and keep it in a secure place for your tax filing records.
Tax professionals cannot request an IP PIN for a client. You can give the number to your preparer when it is time to file, but do not send it in response to an unsolicited message.
What If You Cannot Use Your IRS Online Account
The IRS lists two other paths for people who cannot validate their identity online.
- If your adjusted gross income was below $84,000 for an individual or $168,000 for married filing jointly, you may be able to submit Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.
- If Form 15227 does not apply, you can schedule an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center and bring identity verification documents.
Form 15227 is for a new request. Do not use it if the IRS already assigned you an IP PIN or if you only lost a number you previously received.
What Happens If You Lose Your IP PIN
Use your IRS Online Account to retrieve the current number. The IRS says the number is available through the profile page after you sign in.
If you cannot use your account, the IRS may reissue the number by mail after identity verification. A mailed number can take time, so check the official retrieval instructions before filing a paper return.
Filing an electronic return without a required IP PIN can lead to rejection. A paper return can receive additional identity review, which may delay a refund.
IRS IP PIN Scams To Avoid
Your IP PIN is sensitive information. The IRS will not ask for it by phone, email, text message, or social media message.
Be cautious if someone promises a faster refund after you provide a PIN, asks you to read the number aloud, or sends a link that does not lead to IRS.gov. Open the official IRS website yourself instead of using an unexpected link.
If you suspect tax related identity theft, use the IRS Identity Theft Central resources. For a broader explanation of notices and safe next steps, see our IRS notices and alerts guide. If the issue is a refund hold after identity verification, review our refund timing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An IRS Identity Protection PIN Free
Yes. The IRS IP PIN program is free. The normal enrollment process requires identity verification through the IRS.
Can Anyone Request An IP PIN
Anyone with an SSN or ITIN who can verify their identity may request one. The IRS also assigns IP PINs in some identity theft cases.
Does An IP PIN Guarantee A Fast Refund
No. It helps prevent certain fraudulent returns, but it does not guarantee a refund date or prevent every type of review.
When Do I Get A New IP PIN
The IRS generates a new number each year. Retrieve the current number through your IRS Online Account when you need it.
Can My Tax Preparer Get My IP PIN
No. A tax professional cannot request the number for you. You may provide your current number to the preparer for an authorized filing.
Final Thoughts On The IRS Identity Protection PIN
An IRS Identity Protection PIN is a free security step for taxpayers who want to reduce the risk of a fraudulent federal return. Start with your own IRS Online Account, protect the number like other tax information, and check IRS.gov directly when a filing or refund question appears.
Bookmark this page for updates, and check the source date before acting on an IRS security instruction.
Sources And Further Reading
- IRS Tax Tip 2026 56, July 16, 2026.
- IRS IP PIN frequently asked questions, updated May 21, 2026.
- IRS instructions for a lost IP PIN, reviewed Aug. 16, 2026.
- Form 15227, January 2026 revision.
