Why Every Taxpayer Should Secure Their Refund With an IRS Identity Protection PIN

Tax refund fraud is one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft. Criminals use stolen Social Security Numbers to file fraudulent tax returns early in the season—claiming the refund before the rightful taxpayer even files. By the time you submit your return, the IRS system may already have a fake one under your SSN.

But there is one powerful tool that stops this entirely: the IRS Identity Protection PIN, or IP PIN.

This unique six-digit PIN must be entered to file your tax return—otherwise, the IRS will automatically block fraudulent submissions. And now, every taxpayer is eligible to get one voluntarily.

This guide explains why setting up an IP PIN in advance is one of the smartest tax-protection moves you can make for the 2026 tax season.

What Is an IP PIN?

Your Identity Protection PIN is:

• A six-digit number
• Issued annually by the IRS
• Assigned to your Social Security Number
• Required to e-file your tax return

Without the correct PIN, no one—absolutely no one—can file a return using your identity.

Why You Need an IP PIN NOW (Not Later)

Most people only realize they need an IP PIN after fraud has happened. But by then:

• A fake refund may already have been issued
• Your refund may be frozen
• You could undergo months of identity investigation
• The IRS may require in-person verification

By setting up an IP PIN early, you block thieves before they even try.

Who Can Request an IP PIN?

In the past, only confirmed identity theft victims were eligible. Now:

All taxpayers in all states can obtain an IP PIN voluntarily.

This includes:

• W-2 wage earners
• Self-employed individuals
• Seniors
• Students
• Unemployed filers
• First-time filers
• Everyone

If you have a Social Security Number or ITIN—you can get an IP PIN.

How to Sign Up for an IP PIN

You can request one online using the IRS’s secure verification system.

Go to:

IRS.gov → Identity Protection → Get an IP PIN

You must:

• Verify your identity
• Create an online account
• Receive your PIN
• Use that PIN on your tax return

Your PIN will change every year.

What Happens When You Use an IP PIN

• Your return is authenticated
• Fraudulent filings are blocked
• Any return missing the PIN is automatically rejected
• Identity thieves hit a digital wall

It is the strongest taxpayer-level protection the IRS offers.

If Criminals Have Your SSN—An IP PIN STILL Protects You

Even if a criminal possesses:

• Your SSN
• Your birthdate
• Your legal name
• Your prior addresses
• Your employer data

They still cannot file in your name, because the IRS requires your unique PIN.

What If You Lose Your IP PIN?

You can retrieve it via:

• Your IRS Online Account
  or
• By mailing identity documents for reissue

The IRS will never send your IP PIN through unverified phone or email channels.

IP PIN vs. 5071C vs. ID.me Verification

Here’s the difference:

• 5071C = “Verify AFTER suspected fraud”
• IP PIN = “Prevent fraud BEFORE it occurs”

An IP PIN is proactive security—much more effective.

Warning: Do NOT Share Your IP PIN

Treat your PIN like a password.

Do not give it to:

• Tax preparers you don’t fully trust
• Anyone through text or email
• Phone callers claiming to be IRS staff
• Anyone requesting it via social media

Never reveal it outside of your verified tax filing platform.

Signs You Should Absolutely Get an IP PIN

You should get a PIN if you’ve ever experienced:

• Identity theft
• Data breaches
• Unauthorized credit applications
• Stolen wallet or SSN
• IRS refund delays due to identity checks
• Lost or exposed documents
• Multiple address changes
• Living in a high-fraud region

But even if you haven’t—an IP PIN is still smart protection.

Today, identity thieves don’t need to steal physical mail or hack banks—they simply need your SSN to steal your refund. An IP PIN turns your tax identity into a locked door.

With an IP PIN:

• You control who can file using your SSN
• You eliminate refund theft risk
• You avoid identity disputes
• Your refund can process without suspicion or delay

The smartest move for the 2026 filing season is simple:
Enroll in the IP PIN program before you file.