Do You Get a New IP PIN Every Year? Delivery and Retrieval

Yes, you get a new IP PIN every year. The IRS generates a fresh six-digit Identity Protection PIN for every enrolled taxpayer each filing season, and the previous year’s number expires automatically. Using last year’s PIN on a current return causes an immediate e-file rejection, or a delay if you file on paper.¹

How the New PIN Reaches You Each Year

How you receive the new number depends on how you got into the program.

If the IRS enrolled you because it confirmed you as a victim of tax-related identity theft, your new IP PIN arrives by mail on a CP01A notice. Those notices go out from mid-December through early January.¹

If you opted into the program voluntarily, the IRS does not mail you anything. You have to retrieve the new number yourself through your IRS online account, and it is generally posted there starting in mid-January. The online tool is typically available from mid-January through mid-November, so plan to grab your PIN inside that window.¹

To retrieve it, log in at IRS.gov and open the “Get an IP PIN” tool or your profile page. The current year’s number is displayed there.²

What Happens If You Use Last Year’s PIN

An old or missing IP PIN on an e-filed return triggers an immediate rejection. You will not be able to submit the return until you enter the current year’s number.³

A paper return with a wrong or missing PIN will still be processed, but the IRS runs additional verification before releasing your refund, which delays it.³

The annual reset is the point of the program. Even if someone captured a previous code, it becomes useless once the new filing season begins.

If You Can’t Find This Year’s PIN

Lost the CP01A notice, or can’t log in to your online account? Start with the online account if you can — your current IP PIN is on the profile page.⁴

If online access isn’t an option, call the IRS at 800-908-4490, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. An agent verifies your identity over the phone and mails the PIN to the address on file within 21 days.³

If the PIN cannot be reissued in time and you need to file, you can mail a paper return without it. The IRS will confirm you filed the return, but expect a slower refund because of the added verification.⁴

One boundary worth knowing: a minor dependent’s IP PIN cannot be retrieved online. If you need a child’s PIN, you have to use Form 15227 or a Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment instead.⁴

Where This Year’s PIN Gets Used

The IP PIN goes on your federal income tax forms only: Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, and 1040-SS. It is not entered on extension requests such as Form 4868, and it is not used on state returns.³

On a paper return, enter the PIN in the boxes labeled “Identity Protection PIN” in the signature area. If you file jointly and both spouses are enrolled, both PINs are required.³

For dependents, the rules split by filing method. On an e-filed return, if a dependent you claim has an IP PIN, you must include the dependent’s PIN on Form 1040, Form 2441, and the Earned Income Credit schedule where applicable, or the return will be rejected. On a paper return, a dependent’s PIN is not required.³

One rule that surprises people: your current-year IP PIN is also what you use on any delinquent or prior-year returns you file during the same calendar year. It does not matter that the return itself is for a past tax year. The IRS wants the PIN that is active on the date you file.³

When Enrollment Ends on Its Own

Not every enrollment renews automatically. When you opted into the program, you chose either continuous enrollment (which carries you into future years) or one-time enrollment (which covers the current calendar year only and drops you at year-end without any action on your part). If you picked the one-time option, you will not get a new PIN next year unless you opt back in.³

Confirmed identity-theft victims do not have that choice. The IRS keeps them enrolled permanently and issues a new PIN each year to prevent repeat fraud.³

1
Internal Revenue Service. Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
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Internal Repository Service. Retrieve Your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
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Internal Revenue Service. Frequently Asked Questions About the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)
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Internal Revenue Service. Retrieve Your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)