IRS ID protection program expanded to all taxpayers

The IRS has announced that starting in January the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program will be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identities. The IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers 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. The online "Get An IP PIN" tool at IRS.gov/ippin will immediately display the taxpayer's IP PIN.

Additional IP PIN information for taxpayers:

• The "Get an IP PIN" tool will be available in mid-January. This is the preferred method of obtaining an IP PIN and the only one that immediately reveals the PIN to the taxpayer.
• The online tool uses Secure Access authentication which uses several different ways to verify a person's identity. Before using the "Get an IP PIN" tool, the IRS encourages taxpayers to review the requirements at www.IRS.gov/secureaccess.
• Taxpayers who want to voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program do not need to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
• The IP PIN is valid for one year. Each January, the taxpayer must obtain a newly generated IP PIN.
• The IP PIN must be properly entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays.
• Taxpayers with either a Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number who can verify their identities are eligible for the opt-in program.
• Any primary taxpayer (listed first on the return), secondary taxpayer (listed second on the return) or dependent may obtain an IP PIN if they can pass the identity proofing requirements.
• The IRS plans to offer an opt out feature to the IP PIN program in 2022 if taxpayers find it is not right for them.