As the 2025 tax season approaches, the IRS is urging all taxpayers to take a crucial step in safeguarding their identities: signing up for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). This simple action can provide an essential layer of security, protecting you from tax-related identity theft.
What is an IP PIN?
An IP PIN is a unique six-digit number that serves as a safeguard against identity theft. It prevents someone from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This vital tool confirms your identity when you electronically file your tax return, making it much harder for thieves to misuse your personal information.
Why You Should Sign Up Now
The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to sign up for an IP PIN through the IRS Online Account. Doing this early ensures that you have your IP PIN ready to go when the filing season begins in 2025. However, keep in mind that if you want to sign up before the maintenance period, you need to do so by November 23, 2024. After that date, the IP PIN system will be unavailable until early January 2025. By signing up now, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your identity is protected come tax season.
How to Request Your IP PIN
Here’s a straightforward guide on how to obtain your IP PIN:
Create or Log Into Your IRS Online Account: Start by visiting IRS.gov. If you don’t already have an account, creating one is quick and easy.
Verify Your Identity: The process requires some identity verification. This ensures that your IP PIN is issued securely.
Request Your IP PIN: Once verified, navigate to the profile tab and follow the prompts to request your IP PIN. Remember, spouses and dependents can also receive an IP PIN, provided they complete the necessary verification steps.
Use Your IP PIN: Once you receive your IP PIN, you must include it on both electronic and paper tax returns.
For those who cannot create an Online Account, alternative methods, such as in-person authentication at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, are available. More information on these options can be found at Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN).
Important Information About IP PINs
Validity: Your IP PIN is valid for one calendar year. The IRS generates new IP PINs at the beginning of each year, so be sure to retrieve your new number in early January 2025.
Secure Sharing: Keep your IP PIN confidential and share it only with the IRS and your tax preparation provider. Be wary— the IRS will never request your IP PIN via phone, email, or text.
Opting Out: If you enrolled in the IP PIN program but have not been a victim of tax-related identity theft, you can opt out through your Online Account.
Final Thoughts
As tax season nears, protecting your identity should be a top priority. Signing up for an IP PIN is a proactive step that provides peace of mind and security. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now to ensure that your identity remains safe during the 2025 tax season!
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