The Self-Select PIN is a random five-digit number that you enter as your electronic signature when e-filing your return.
You can reuse your Self-Select PIN from last year or create a new one to use. It doesn’t matter which option you choose.
For identification purposes, you need to enter either last year’s Self-Select PIN or adjusted gross income (AGI).
The IP PIN is a six-digit number that the IRS assigns to victims of tax-related identity theft.
Most taxpayers don't need an an Identity Protection PIN — the IRS only issues them in select cases.
If you know you need an IP PIN to file your taxes and you lost your CP01A letter (or never received it), you can:
- Retrieve your IP PIN online at the IRS's Get an IP PIN site; or
- Call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to have your IP PIN mailed to you (this can take up to 21 days)
We're unable to issue IP PINs and you won't find them on your tax paperwork. You can only get IP PINs from the IRS.
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