The Internal Revenue Service has expanded its Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities. The program was launched nearly decade ago to protect confirmed ID theft victims from ongoing tax-related fraud and was later expanded into specific states where taxpayers could voluntarily opt into the program.The IP PIN is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS, which is used to prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers' personally identifiable information. Correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays.
To participate in the voluntary program, taxpayers must pass what the IRS called a “rigorous identity verification process.” Spouses and dependents are also eligible if they can verify their identifies. PINs are valid for a calendar year so taxpayers must obtain a new on for each filing season with the online IP PIN tool offline between November and mid-January each year. There is currently no opt-out option, but the IRS is working on one for 2022.
Those who want to obtain and IP Pin can do so online at IRS.gov/IPPIN via a process that requires them to verify their identities using the Secure Access authentication process if they do not already have an IRS account.
