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How To Deal With Identity Theft When Filing Your Annual Tax Return (IP PIN, Mail Form 15227, Etc.)

identity theft

If you are a victim or suspected to be a victim of Identity Theft, you can request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS. This is a unique six digit PIN that the IRS assigns to you to enter in your Federal Individual Tax Return to confirm your identity.  This number reduces the chances of someone else using your SSN to file a tax return, thus protecting your tax refund. If someone else files a return on your name, it will be rejected because theIRS will require the IP PIN they assign to you to authenticate your identity. An IP PIN can be assigned to taxpayers or their dependents. IP PINs are only for Individual Tax Returns (Form 1040). 

Fast Facts About Your IP PIN

  1. The first IP PIN assigned to you can be used to file your current tax return and previous years’ returns. 

  2. Your IP PIN is valid for one calendar year and a new PIN is assigned to you each year. 

  3. If you have a SSN or an ITIN you are eligible to enroll in the IP PIN program. 

  4. If you voluntary joined the IP PIN program and have not been a victim of identity theft, you may opt out the program. 

  5. If you are assigned an IP PIN and don’t include it in your tax return, the IRS will reject it if filed electronically or will delay the processing if paper filed. 

"How Do I Apply For An IP PIN?"

Online

Note: this option is only available if your adjusted gross income in last year’s return is GREATER than $79,000 (Individual) or $158,000 (Married Filing Jointly) 

First, you will need to create an account on IRS.gov to validate your identity to be able to request an IP PIN. If you use this option, you will receive a notice CP01A from IRS with your assigned PIN only the first year; for following years you will need to retrieve your new PIN because you won’t receive a notice from IRS.  

Mail Form 15227

Note: this option is only available if your adjusted gross income in last year’s return is LESS than $79,000 (Individual) or $158,000 (Married Filing Jointly) 

You’ll need to apply for this specific form to be mailed to you. 

You must have: 

-A valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification 

-Access to a telephone so the IRS can call you to validate your identity. 

You will receive your IP PIN by regular mail within four to six weeks. 

Each year moving forward, you will receive your IP PIN in the mail without having to repeat the previous steps unless you no longer require one. 

In-Person

If you are not able to validate your identity online or with Form 15227, you can make an appointment for an in-person meeting at a Local Taxpayer Assistance Center (click here). 

Need anything else? Meet with a Market Tax Services pro (click here).

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