[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":7},["ShallowReactive",2],{"faq-standard-4094":3},{"rec_id":4,"title":5,"text":6},"4094","Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)","Menu Path: \u003Ci>Misc > Personal > Identity Protection PIN\u003C/i>\n\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\nAn Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a \u003Cb>6-digit\u003C/b> number created by the IRS to verify your identity. Not everyone has or needs one.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\nYou'd usually only have an IP PIN if \n\u003Cul>\u003Cli>You received a \u003Ci>CP01A Notice\u003C/i> due to being a victim of identity theft or\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>You opted in to an IP PIN on the IRS website.\u003C/li>\u003C/ul>\nHere's what you need to know about IP PINs:\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>If you've never received an IP PIN, you generally don't need one to file your return unless you're planning to \u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=9990\">opt in\u003C/a> to using one this year or are filing a prior year return.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\nIf you have an IP PIN, you'll receive a unique 6-digit PIN each year. You need to use this most recent PIN even when filing prior year tax returns.\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\nThis IP PIN is different from the 5-digit \u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=1634\">prior year signature PINs\u003C/a> used for e-filing.\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\nThe IP PIN is only valid for the calendar year in which it is issued.\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\nIf you have an IP PIN and do not include it on your return, your return could be rejected or significantly delayed.\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=9990\">How do I get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?\u003C/a>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n\u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=5632\"> What do I do if I don't know my Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?\u003C/a>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n\u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=12589\">Do I need an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to file?\u003C/a>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n\u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=12588\"> How do I know if I have an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?\u003C/a>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n\u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=12587\"> What if my PIN is 5 digits instead of 6 digits?\u003C/a>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n\u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=4745\">If I am filing a joint return with my spouse, what should I do if my spouse received an Identity Protection PIN?\u003C/a>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>",1777391540824]