07/21/2026
Protect your identity. Protect your children. Protect your tax return.
An IRS Identity Protection PIN is a unique six-digit number that helps prevent someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or your child’s.
It may be especially helpful if:
✅ You’ve experienced identity theft in the past
✅ You believe your personal information has been exposed
✅ You simply want an added layer of protection
✅ You’re a parent (especially a single parent) who wants to help protect against the non-custodial parent using the child’s information on their return
Parents and legal guardians can request an IP PIN for eligible dependents, too. This added safeguard may be particularly valuable for custodial parents concerned that someone could attempt to claim their child without authorization.
A new IP PIN is issued each year, and it must be included when the taxpayer or dependent is listed on an electronically filed federal return.
Learn more or request an IP PIN at:
https://IRS.gov/IPPIN