Why Missing or Incorrect Identity Protection PINs Cause Immediate Refund Holds

The IRS increasingly uses the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to protect taxpayers from identity theft and fraudulent returns. However, many taxpayers don’t understand the flipside: if the IRS expects an IP PIN for your return — and you don’t provide one — your refund will be frozen automatically.

This is one of the most common, least understood causes of refund delays.

What Is the IP PIN?

The IP PIN is a unique 6-digit identity verification code issued by the IRS each year.

Its primary purpose:

• To verify that you, the true taxpayer, are the one filing the return.

It blocks fraudulent filings where identity thieves attempt to claim your refund before you do.

When the IRS Requires an IP PIN

Originally, IP PINs were only issued to confirmed identity theft victims.

But the program has expanded. You may receive or be expected to have an IP PIN if:

• you previously opted in voluntarily
• you previously had an identity theft issue
• the IRS flagged you as a potential ID-risk account
• you reside in certain high-fraud regions
• your return history triggers identity verification
• your SSN has been associated with suspicious filings

If any of these apply, the IRS “locks” your return behind an IP PIN.

What Happens If the IP PIN Is Missing or Incorrect

If your return was submitted:

• without the required IP PIN
  or
• with an incorrect or outdated PIN

The processing system immediately flags your return.

Your transcript will typically show:

• TC 570 — Refund Hold
  and eventually
• TC 971 — Notice Issued

Your refund is stopped indefinitely until the PIN issue is resolved.

Common Situations That Trigger a PIN-Based Refund Hold

1. Taxpayer forgot they opted into IP PIN protection

This happens frequently — especially to people who filed early last year.

2. A new IP PIN was issued for 2026

Last year’s PIN does not work.
IP PINs change annually.

3. Tax preparer submitted without PIN

The taxpayer thought the preparer would include it.
The preparer thought the IRS didn’t require it.

4. Filing electronically, but with an error

Even one incorrect digit causes a hold.

5. Filing by paper

Paper returns with missing IP PINs are flagged for manual identity review — often a long delay.

How to Retrieve Your IP PIN

If you’re stuck, you can retrieve your PIN through:

IRS Online Account

Log in and view your current year IP PIN.

IRS Get an IP PIN Tool

This tool allows recovery or re-issuance.

IRS by mail

If online access fails, you can request a mailed PIN — but this adds weeks of delay.

What If You Don’t Have an IP PIN But the IRS Wants One?

Then you must complete identity verification — either online or in person — to get one issued.

Until that verification occurs, your return will not release.

How It Looks on Where’s My Refund (WMR)

WMR typically shows:

• “Your return is still being processed.”
  with no refund date, no DD estimate, and no timeline.

Millions of taxpayers mistake this message for “normal IRS delay,” when in fact, it signifies an identity verification problem.

How Long Will the Refund Be Held?

There is no automatic release date.
No 21-day rule.
No PATH Act exception.

Your refund will not move until:

• the IP PIN is validated
• the identity check clears
• IRS updates transcript with resolution
• TC 846 posts

Until then, your refund is effectively locked.

The Fastest Way to Fix an IP PIN Issue

Step 1: Log into IRS Online Account

Check for your issued IP PIN.

Step 2: If locked out, reset ID.me credentials

Don’t wait days — resolve access immediately.

Step 3: Contact tax preparer to resubmit return

If the return must be re-filed with PIN.

Step 4: Monitor transcript

Look for TC 571 or TC 572 clearing the hold.

The IP PIN is a powerful security tool, but it can also be a refund-stopping barrier if overlooked. If your refund is delayed and you see no obvious explanation:

There is a strong chance your account is IP PIN-protected without your knowledge — and the IRS is waiting for identity confirmation.

Checking and using the correct PIN can mean the difference between:

• a refund issued in February
  or
• a refund stuck until April or beyond