WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the 2025 tax season looms, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is advising taxpayers to bolster their identity security by enrolling in the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program. This proactive measure is vital in safeguarding against tax-related identity theft, a growing concern as digital threats continue to evolve.
The IP PIN is a unique six-digit number that adds an extra layer of protection to taxpayers’ Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, hindering unauthorized attempts to file a federal tax return. This identification tool, known only to the taxpayer and the IRS, ensures that tax returns are accurately filed under the correct identity.
Enrollment Process and Deadlines
To secure an IP PIN, taxpayers are encouraged to utilize the IRS Online Account system, where they can swiftly complete the identity verification process. The IRS highlights the importance of signing up before the November 23, 2024 deadline, as the IP PIN system will be unavailable during a maintenance period extending into early January 2025. This timing is critical as it aligns with the issuance of new IP PINs for the upcoming filing season.
Taxpayers can create or access their IRS Online Account to request an IP PIN. The process includes identity verification steps that can be extended to spouses and dependents. Once issued, the IP PIN must be included on both electronic and paper tax returns to ensure processing integrity.
For individuals unable to access the Online Account, the IRS provides alternative verification methods, including in-person authentication at designated Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Detailed guidance on obtaining an IP PIN is available on the IRS website.
Key Considerations
The IP PIN remains valid for one calendar year, with new numbers generated annually. Taxpayers enrolled in the program will either receive their new IP PIN by mail or need to retrieve it through their Online Account in January 2025. It is crucial that users maintain confidentiality of their IP PIN, sharing it exclusively with the IRS and their tax preparation provider, as the IRS will not solicit this information via phone, email, or text.
Participants in the IP PIN program who have not experienced tax-related identity theft retain the option to opt out through their Online Account if they choose.
The IRS’s push for widespread adoption of the IP PIN reflects a broader commitment to enhancing taxpayer security amidst an increasingly complex tax landscape. This initiative underscores the agency’s dedication to protecting taxpayers’ personal information and ensuring the integrity of the tax filing process.
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