From 24/7 Wall St. · Vilma Rios · · 1m 10s
IRS Identity Protection PINs Block Tax Returns Without Number
Taxpayers lose e-filing access if they lose their six-digit IRS PIN.
In brief
Taxpayers lose e-filing access if they lose their six-digit IRS PIN. The IRS requires a six-digit PIN for tax returns to prevent fraud, and losing it blocks e-filing until a new one is issued. Originally reported by 24/7 Wall St..
IRS Identity Protection PIN
The IRS gives taxpayers a six-digit PIN that blocks returns filed in your name.
“The reason is a short code printed on a january letter that she filed away with the junk mail.”
Opt-In Process
Taxpayers can opt in at irs.gov/ippin using an irs online account, government photo id, and a selfie.
PIN Expiry and Renewal
Each PIN lasts one year and is renewed every january via notice cp01a and irs online account.
Consequences of Losing PIN
Losing the PIN blocks e-filing, triggering tax software rejection with code ind-181-01.
Recovery Options
Taxpayers can recover a PIN online, by phone, or by mail using a paper return with no pin.
Paper Filing Delays
Paper returns without pins delay refund processing due to extra identity screening.
Identity Theft Risk
Without the PIN, identity theft victims face 6+ month processing delays for duplicate refunds.
Opt-Out Options
Enrolled taxpayers can opt out through online account or form 15227 with income cap.
The essence
The IRS requires a six-digit PIN for tax returns to prevent fraud, and losing it blocks e-filing until a new one is issued.
