What is an IP PIN?
Identity Protection PIN
Short answer
An IP PIN is a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS. A return filed without the current IP PIN is rejected, which blocks identity-theft filings.
What it is
The IRS issues a new Identity Protection PIN every year to taxpayers who opt in through their IRS Online Account, and to confirmed identity-theft victims. The number must be entered on the return; e-filed returns without it are rejected and paper returns are delayed for identity checks.
Each person on the return who has an IP PIN, including spouses and dependents, needs theirs entered.
Why it matters for a tax firm
IP PINs are the most common reason for a rejected return in January: the client forgot they opted in, or did not retrieve this year's number. Asking for it on the intake checklist saves a round trip.
How XyloDocs handles it
Firms add the IP PIN to the XyloDocs document checklist, so the reminder goes out with the W-2 and ID requests instead of after a rejection.
Related terms
Read more on XyloDocs
Sources
Questions about IP PIN
Is the IP PIN the same every year?
No. The IRS generates a new one each year. Taxpayers retrieve it in their IRS Online Account or receive it by mail in the CP01A notice.
Should every client get an IP PIN?
Anyone can opt in, and it stops fraudulent filings under their number. The trade-off is one more thing to find each January.
Last reviewed: October 16, 2026. This glossary explains terms; it is not legal or tax advice. Check the cited source for the current rule.
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