Understanding What an IRS PIN Is and Why It Matters

An IRS Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a six-digit code created by the Internal Revenue Service that serves as an additional security layer for your tax account. This PIN works alongside your Social Security Number to verify your identity when you interact with the IRS through various channels. The IRS introduced the Self-Select PIN program in 2014 to give taxpayers more control over their security, allowing them to create their own PIN rather than relying solely on numbers assigned by the IRS.

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The PIN system exists because tax identity theft is a genuine concern. According to the IRS, in 2021 there were nearly 2.9 million reports of identity theft, with approximately 375,000 confirmed cases involving tax accounts. When someone commits tax fraud using your identity, they may file a false return to claim a refund in your name, potentially delaying your legitimate refund and creating complications with your tax record. The PIN helps prevent this by requiring the correct PIN along with your Social Security Number before certain tax transactions can occur.

Your IRS PIN is different from other PINs you might use in your daily life. It is not used for logging into IRS systems or accessing your online account. Instead, it is used when filing your tax return, whether you file electronically through tax software or by mail. If you file electronically, you will enter your PIN in place of signing the return. This serves as your electronic signature and confirms your identity to the IRS.

There are situations where having a PIN is particularly important. If the IRS has flagged your account for identity theft concerns, you may be required to have a PIN before filing. If you have experienced tax-related identity theft in the past, the IRS strongly recommends using a PIN. Additionally, if you are concerned about your personal information security, creating a Self-Select PIN gives you direct control over this security measure.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding that an IRS PIN is a six-digit security code that protects your tax account from identity theft is the foundation for learning about PIN management. This knowledge helps you recognize why the IRS encourages PIN use and how it functions differently from other security measures you may already use.

Types of IRS PINs and How They Are Generated

The IRS operates two main PIN systems that serve different purposes. The Self-Select PIN is one option that allows you to choose your own six-digit PIN through the IRS website. This program launched in 2014 and gives taxpayers direct control over their security. With the Self-Select PIN, you visit the IRS's official website during a designated open period (typically early in the calendar year) and create a PIN of your choosing. This PIN must be entered when you file your return electronically.

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The second type of PIN is the IRS-Generated PIN. In certain situations, the IRS generates and mails a PIN directly to you. This happens when the IRS determines that your account requires additional protection, such as when identity theft has been detected on your account or when the IRS has identified unusual activity. If you receive notice of an IRS-Generated PIN in the mail, you must use this PIN when filing your return. You cannot change an IRS-Generated PIN yourself; you can only request a new one if you lose it or forget it.

The IRS also uses what is called an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) in cases of confirmed identity theft. An IP PIN is assigned by the IRS after an investigation confirms that your personal information has been misused for tax purposes. Like the IRS-Generated PIN, an IP PIN arrives by mail and is required for filing your return. The IRS sends this PIN annually to taxpayers whose accounts have been compromised. An IP PIN is typically six digits and may include both numbers and letters in some cases, though most are numeric.

The process of how PINs are generated differs by type. For Self-Select PINs, you generate the PIN yourself, and it is stored in your IRS account immediately upon creation. For IRS-Generated PINs and IP PINs, the IRS generates them using its own systems and mails them to your address on file. The IRS does not transmit PINs by email or phone call, as these would not be secure methods. If you receive a call or email claiming to be from the IRS offering to provide your PIN, this is a scam.

Practical Takeaway: Knowing that there are three types of PINs—Self-Select, IRS-Generated, and Identity Protection—helps you understand which type applies to your situation. If you are uncertain which type you need or have, you can contact the IRS or check your recent tax correspondence for information.

Steps to Find Your Existing IRS PIN

Finding your IRS PIN depends on whether you created a Self-Select PIN or whether the IRS sent you one. If you previously created a Self-Select PIN, the most direct way to retrieve it is through the IRS website at irs.gov. However, the IRS Self-Select PIN tool is only available during certain times of the year, typically from early November through mid-December before the tax season. During this window, you can visit the IRS website, enter your information (Social Security Number, date of birth, and filing status), and your existing PIN will be displayed on the screen.

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If you created a Self-Select PIN but cannot find it and the tool is not currently available on the IRS website, you have other options. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (typically 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday). When you call, have your Social Security Number, date of birth, and filing status ready. The IRS will verify your identity through a series of security questions before providing your PIN over the phone. Wait times can be lengthy, particularly during tax season, so calling early in the morning or during slower periods may reduce your wait time.

If the IRS assigned you an IRS-Generated PIN or Identity Protection PIN, your PIN was sent to you by mail. Check any recent correspondence from the IRS in your home mailbox. Look specifically for IRS notices that mention "Identity Protection PIN" or "IP PIN" in the heading or subject matter. These notices typically arrive in white envelopes with the IRS seal. The PIN is usually printed clearly on the notice along with instructions for use. Keep this notice in a safe place during tax season, as you will need to reference the PIN when filing your return.

If you cannot locate your PIN notice, do not panic. You can request a new notice by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. This is the specific line for Identity Protection PIN requests. You will need to verify your identity, and the IRS will mail you a new copy of your notice with your PIN. The new notice typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. During this waiting period, you can still prepare your tax return; you simply cannot file it until you have your PIN in hand.

Practical Takeaway: Locating your PIN involves checking your mail for notices from the IRS, visiting irs.gov during designated periods, or contacting the IRS by phone. Organize your important IRS mail in a folder or envelope so you can locate your PIN notice quickly when needed.

How to Create a Self-Select PIN Before Tax Season

Creating a Self-Select PIN gives you control over your own security and is a proactive step in protecting your tax account. The process begins by visiting the IRS website at irs.gov during the designated enrollment period. This period typically opens in early November and closes in mid-December each year. The IRS provides this window before the main tax filing season (which runs from January through April) to allow taxpayers time to create their PIN before they need to file their return.

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To create a Self-Select PIN, you will need to gather specific information before you begin. Have your Social Security Number ready, as well as your date of birth and the filing status from your most recent tax return. You will also need to know your income from your most recent return (typically from the previous year's tax return) or have access to that information. The IRS uses this information to verify your identity before allowing you to create a PIN. If this is your first time creating a PIN and you have not filed a previous tax return, you may not be able to use the Self-Select PIN tool.

The actual process of creating the PIN through the IRS website takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You begin by going to irs.gov and locating the "Self-Select PIN" option, usually