UPDATE!: Phone lines are starting to open back up at the IRS to talk to them about this issue, and here's what I have discovered so far:
- [phone number removed] is open again but assuming you navigate the menus correctly they will tell you that IP pins are not their department and to contact them in the future about it. What they don't tell you is...
- There is a separate number just for identity theft related issues at [phone number removed] that is set up to handle issues related to this. They still can not send a new IP Pin to your address however, but had some interesting things to say about the process and can answer some questions you may have specific to your situation.
- I am told by the folks at this number that the "Get my IP Pin" tool has actually worked for some people, which is the first I have heard of the tool actually working for anyone. So if you do have an outstanding mortgage, auto loan, credit card, student loan, etc. you might still try using the online tool to retrieve your IP Pin quicker than alternative methods.
- According to them waiting for their ability to reissue your IP Pin will probably take much longer than just mailing in your tax return, so they suggested that if you are waiting to file to go ahead and mail in your return with the IP Pin section blank and it will be processed normally. Include your direct deposit information and your EIP (stimulus check) will be deposited there regardless of whether you owe them money or not.
- If you are a "non-filer" like myself and can not use the non-filer tool to claim your check due to not having the IP Pin, then print out the 1040 forms on the IRS website, enter all your information with no reported income, include your direct deposit information, and your EIP (stimulus check) will be sent there or to the address you give them in the form if you do not have a bank account. (Don't forget to sign it!) They are already processing what was described to me as "truckloads" of mail-in returns, but said the wait time would still almost definitely be less than waiting for them to be able to mail you another CP01A (IP Pin letter).
- For those concerned about possibly missing out on the stimulus check (EIP) altogether, have no fear!! If for some reason they do not get to it by the end of December I am told that it will be issued as a credit on 2020's taxes when you file those, so no one need worry about never receiving an EIP like some of the previous posts noted. The waiting does suck, but at least we know now that we wont miss the boat entirely.
