An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS and helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. IP PINs for prior tax years won't work. You can only get IP PINs from the IRS. The IRS would have sent a letter to you explaining why this IP PIN was being issued. 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)
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