2 weeks Ago By Naveen Athrappully
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) asked taxpayers to sign up for extra security measures ahead of the 2025 tax season by obtaining their identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN).
“Signing up for an IP PIN now will ensure that a taxpayer’s identity is protected when the filing season begins. New IP PINs are generated for the 2025 filing season during this period, so online enrollees must retrieve their new IP PIN starting early January 2025,” according to the press release. Taxpayers ought to sign up for an IRS Online Account, which offers an “easy way” to obtain the IP PIN, said the agency.
The IP PIN is known only to the individual and the IRS. It confirms taxpayer identity when filing electronically, making it difficult for malicious actors to breach and access sensitive information, the agency said. Taxpayers start by providing identity verification when applying through the IRS Online Account.
Once verified, they can click the profile tab to request for an IP PIN. After a PIN is issued, the taxpayer uses this number when filing federal returns, whether via paper or electronically. According to the IRS, an IP PIN is valid for a period of one year, with a new number generated at the beginning of each calendar year.
Some taxpayers receive their PIN via mail rather than online. “IP PIN users should share their number only with the IRS and their tax preparation provider. The IRS will never call, email, or text a request for the IP PIN,” the agency said.
This option is available to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income on their last filed return was below $79,000. For married people filing jointly, the threshold is $158,000. The taxpayer must apply using Form 15227.
The IRS will get in touch with the person for the purpose of validating their identity, following which the IP PIN will be mailed. In case the individual is unable to verify their identity with Form 15227, they can schedule an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. “Please bring one current government-issued picture identification document and another identification document to prove your identity.
Once we verify your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within three weeks,” the agency states.
These questions were about things like the previous address of the taxpayer, loan amounts, and such. Criminals can either randomly guess this information or access them from platforms such as Facebook and Zillow, Krebs noted. While IP PINs can be easily accessed online by taxpayers, some individuals may not be able to do so in certain cases.
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