What is an IP PIN?

The IRS Identity Protection PIN or "IP PIN" is a 5-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers who have been victims of identity theft, to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.

An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return. When you have an IP PIN, it prevents someone else from filing a tax return with your SSN.

If a return is e-filed with your SSN and an incorrect or missing IP PIN, the IRS will reject it until you submit it with the correct IP PIN or you file on paper. If the same conditions occur on a paper filed return, the processing and any refund you may be due will be delayed until the situation is clarified.