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Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)

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IRS Definition

The IRS IP PIN is a 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.

More from H&R Block

The identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) is a unique number the IRS issues every year (usually in December) to taxpayers whose accounts have some indication of identity theft.

The IP PIN is extra confirmation of your identity when you file your tax return. It helps prevent someone else from filing a return using your Social Security Number. The IRS will issue you a new IP PIN each year for as long as identity theft is an issue with your IRS account.

You may be able to get an IP PIN online, or the IRS will mail you one.

Learn how to address tax identity theft.

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