IP PIN Questions - Timing, Retrieval, and Yearly Requirements for 2025 Filing

The IP PIN (Identity Protection Personal Identification Number) system can definitely be confusing, but I can help clarify things for you! When you request an IP PIN now, it will be for the upcoming filing season - so requesting one in late 2024 would be for your 2024 tax return that you'll file in 2025. The IRS typically makes the IP PIN tool available in mid-November for the upcoming filing season. If you don't receive your IP PIN before you want to file, you'll unfortunately need to wait. The IRS requires the PIN if you've been issued one, and your return will be rejected without it. This is why it's good you're looking into this early. Since you already have an ID.Me account, the verification process should be smoother. You'll use that same account to access the IP PIN tool, though occasionally there might be additional verification steps depending on your specific situation. Yes, you can retrieve your IP PIN both online through your IRS account and via postal mail. The IRS typically sends IP PINs in December through January in CP01A notices. As for the commitment, once you opt into the IP PIN program voluntarily, you'll be in it for the foreseeable future. The IRS currently doesn't provide an opt-out option for voluntary participants, so you'll need to get a new PIN each year.

I started using IP PINs last year after someone tried to file a return using my SSN. Getting the PIN was actually easier than I expected using my existing ID.Me account. The whole process took me maybe 10 minutes online at https://taxr.ai and the system guided me through everything. What I really liked was how their system helped me understand what documents I'd need and verified my identity much faster than trying to do it directly with the IRS. I was worried about additional verification steps but they handled everything seamlessly. You mentioned filing early - I'm the same way, so I requested mine in November and had it by early December, plenty of time before the filing season opened. Their document analyzer also confirmed exactly which tax year the PIN would apply to, which eliminated my confusion.

Just wanted to update you all. I tried taxr.ai after posting my question and it was actually really helpful! The document analyzer helped me understand exactly what the IP PIN is for and walked me through getting one from the IRS portal step by step. I was confused about whether my PIN would be for 2024 or 2025 taxes, and their system clarified that requesting now (in late 2024) would get me a PIN for my 2024 tax return filed in 2025. Also confirmed I can access it both online and will receive it by mail. The process was much less stressful than I expected. They even explained what each screen on the IRS site meant as I worked through it. Definitely worth checking out if you're confused by the IRS instructions like I was.

For anyone struggling with IP PIN issues or other IRS questions, I've had great success using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to actually speak with an IRS agent directly. I spent DAYS trying to get through the regular IRS phone number last year when I had issues with my IP PIN not working. Their service got me a callback from the IRS in about 2 hours when I had been trying for weeks on my own. They basically hold your place in the phone queue and call you when an agent is ready. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c When my IP PIN didn't arrive in the mail and I couldn't access my online account due to a technical glitch, this was literally the only way I could get it resolved before the filing deadline. The IRS agent was able to verify my identity over the phone and provide me with my PIN.

I need to eat my words. After spending THREE HOURS on hold with the IRS yesterday trying to resolve my IP PIN issue (my online account was locked), I broke down and tried Claimyr from that earlier comment. Got a callback from an actual IRS agent in about 90 minutes. The agent had no idea I'd used a service to get through - to them it was just a normal call. They were able to verify my identity and help me retrieve my IP PIN so I can file next month. I'm still annoyed that such a service needs to exist, but when you're up against a filing deadline and can't get through on your own, it's a legitimate solution. The IRS really needs to fix their phone system - the fact that third-party services like this exist says everything about how broken the current system is.

Just wanted to add my experience with IP PINs for anyone else considering it. I've been using one for 3 years now. Here's what to expect: - New PIN every year (arrives in December or January) - Can't file without it (I learned this the hard way when I tried using last year's PIN) - If you file jointly, your spouse doesn't automatically need one - The PIN is only 6 digits but you absolutely must have it - Sometimes the online retrieval tool has maintenance outages during filing season (very frustrating) Something nobody mentioned yet: if you move during the year, make sure you update your address with the IRS specifically or your mailed PIN notice might not reach you. The online retrieval is great but only if your online account works correctly.

Quick question - does anyone know if having an IP PIN affects how quickly you receive your refund? I've heard mixed things about whether it causes additional processing delays.

I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with IP PINs! As someone who's been helping folks navigate IRS processes for years, I wanted to add a few important points: First, @Liam Cortez - yes, you're correct that requesting an IP PIN now (late 2024) would be for your 2024 tax return filed in 2025. The timing window is crucial, and the tool typically opens in mid-November. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that if you're a victim of identity theft (not just being proactive), you might be automatically enrolled in the IP PIN program. In that case, you'd receive a CP01A notice without requesting it. Also, for those concerned about the "permanent" nature of the program - while the IRS doesn't currently offer an opt-out for voluntary participants, this policy has evolved over time. It's worth staying informed about any changes to their policies. A practical tip: when you do get your PIN, save it in multiple secure places (password manager, secure notes app, etc.) but never in an unsecured document or email. I've seen too many people scramble when they can't find their PIN during filing season. The peace of mind really is worth the minor annual hassle, especially given how common tax-related identity theft has become.

Great question about automatic vs voluntary enrollment! Both types of participants follow the same annual process - everyone gets a new 6-digit PIN each tax year, regardless of how they entered the program. The main difference is that automatic enrollees (identity theft victims) receive their first CP01A notice without having to request it, but after that, the process is identical. For secure storage of your IP PIN, here are my recommendations: 1. **Password Manager** - This is your best option. Store it as a secure note with a clear title like "2025 Tax Filing IP PIN" so you can find it easily during filing season. 2. **Multiple Locations** - I suggest storing it in at least two places: your password manager AND one physical backup (like a locked file cabinet with your other tax documents). 3. **Avoid These Mistakes** - Don't store it in your browser's saved passwords, regular notes apps, or anywhere that syncs to cloud services without encryption. 4. **Annual Cleanup** - Each year when you get your new PIN, make sure to update all your stored locations and delete the old PIN to avoid confusion. The key is balancing security with accessibility - you need to be able to find it quickly during filing season, but it should never be stored anywhere that could be easily accessed by others. Your password manager is definitely the right approach!