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How Do You Get an IRS IP PIN?

Find out how to get an IRS IP PIN, who qualifies, what to do if online verification fails, and how retrieval differs from first-time enrollment.

Direct answer

The fastest way to get an IRS IP PIN is through the IRS online account or Get an IP PIN tool. If online identity verification does not work, the IRS offers slower alternatives such as Form 15227 for eligible taxpayers or in-person identity verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. If you already enrolled and lost the current number, use the IRS retrieve-your-IP-PIN path instead of starting over.

can verify online = online IP PIN; cannot verify online = Form 15227 or in-person path

IP PIN situations

First-time enrollment with online access

Get an IP PIN tool

Fastest path

Online verification fails

Form 15227 if eligible

Slower identity-verification route

Cannot use Form 15227

Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment

In-person verification may be needed

Already enrolled but lost PIN

Retrieve your IP PIN

Different from first-time enrollment

Filing a return

Use current-year IP PIN

Wrong or missing PIN can reject or delay filing

Situation	Best path	Why
First-time enrollment with online access	Get an IP PIN tool	Fastest path
Online verification fails	Form 15227 if eligible	Slower identity-verification route
Cannot use Form 15227	Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment	In-person verification may be needed
Already enrolled but lost PIN	Retrieve your IP PIN	Different from first-time enrollment
Filing a return	Use current-year IP PIN	Wrong or missing PIN can reject or delay filing

The IP PIN changes every year

An IRS IP PIN is not a reusable password. It is an annual identity-protection number tied to filing federal tax returns for that year.

Get or retrieve an IP PIN

1Decide whether this is first-time enrollment or retrieval of a current IP PIN.
2Try the IRS online account or Get an IP PIN tool first.
3Use Form 15227 only if you meet its eligibility rules.
4Schedule in-person verification if the online and form paths do not work.
5Use the current-year IP PIN on every required federal return.

FAQ

Who is eligible for an IRS IP PIN?

The IRS IP PIN program is available to taxpayers who can verify their identity. Identity-theft victims may also receive IP PINs as part of IRS protection steps.

Do I get a new IP PIN every year?

Yes. The IRS issues a new IP PIN each year. Use the current-year IP PIN when filing any federal tax return that requires it.

What happens if I file without the correct IP PIN?

An e-filed return can be rejected, and a paper return can be delayed, if the required IP PIN is missing or wrong.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.