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

Thanks for the detailed info! One followup question - what happens if I lose my IP PIN after I receive it? Is there a way to retrieve it again before filing or am I just out of luck?

If you lose your IP PIN, you can retrieve it online through your IRS online account (which you access with your ID.Me credentials). Just log in and look for the "Get an IP PIN" tool - it will show your current PIN even if you've already been issued one. If you can't access your online account for some reason, you can call the IRS Identity Theft Toll-Free line at 800-908-4490 for assistance, but be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially during filing season.

Wait, I thought you had to get IP PINs directly from the IRS? How does this third-party service work? I'm a bit nervous about using anything but official channels for something security-related.

I've been looking into getting an IP PIN too. Does taxr.ai just help you get through the IRS process or do they actually store your PIN? I'm concerned about security since this is specifically meant to prevent identity theft.

The service doesn't replace the IRS - it helps you navigate the IRS website and verification process. They don't actually issue the PIN or store it. Their document analyzer helps you understand tax documents and IRS notices, which was super helpful when I got my CP01A notice with the PIN. For security concerns, I was nervous too initially. Their system just provides guidance through the official IRS channels and helps interpret the confusing IRS instructions. You still get your PIN directly from the IRS, they just make the process smoother and explain what everything means.

How does this even work? Does the IRS actually recognize them as a legitimate service? Seems sketchy that any company could just "hold your place in line" with a government agency.

I'm extremely skeptical. The IRS phone system is notoriously difficult by design. Are you saying this company has some special access? How much do they charge for this "service"? Sounds like they're just profiting off a broken system.

The service works by using automated dialing technology to navigate the IRS phone system and hold your place in line. The IRS doesn't officially "recognize" them, but they're not doing anything against the rules - they're just using technology to navigate the same phone system everyone else uses. When the IRS agent is ready to talk, Claimyr connects you directly to them - the company isn't on the call or accessing any of your tax information. It's just about getting through the phone system, which is why it's particularly helpful during busy filing periods when wait times can be 3+ hours.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Do you find that having the IP PIN has been worth the extra hassle each year? And have you ever had any issues with the PIN not working when you try to file?

I definitely think it's worth the hassle. The peace of mind knowing someone can't file a fraudulent return in my name outweighs the minor inconvenience of getting a new PIN each year. It's basically become just another part of my tax prep routine. I've only had one issue in three years where my PIN didn't work - turned out I mistyped it (those 6 digits are easy to mix up). Double-check your entry if your return gets rejected. Otherwise, the system has worked smoothly, and I actually file earlier now because I'm less worried about fraud.

In my experience and from what I've observed, having an IP PIN generally doesn't slow down your refund processing time. The IRS uses the PIN upfront during the acceptance phase of your return - it's basically just validating that you are who you say you are. Once your return is accepted with the correct PIN, it follows the same processing path as any other return. If anything, having an IP PIN might actually prevent certain delays that could happen if your return got flagged for potential identity theft without one.

This is really helpful advice about storing the IP PIN securely! I'm new to all this tax stuff and honestly hadn't even thought about the security implications of where I store important tax documents. Quick follow-up - when you mention updating stored locations annually, do you recommend keeping any record of previous years' PINs for reference, or should those be completely deleted once the new one arrives? I'm thinking there might be situations where you'd need to reference an old PIN, but maybe I'm overthinking it? Also, has anyone here ever had issues with their password manager being inaccessible right when they needed their PIN? I'm wondering if I should have a backup plan beyond just the physical storage option.

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! Regarding old PINs - you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new PIN. Each PIN is only valid for one specific tax year, and keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There s'no legitimate reason you d'ever need to reference a previous year s'PIN. As for password manager backup plans, you re'smart to think about this! I ve'seen people get locked out of their password managers right before filing deadlines. Here are a few backup strategies: 1. **Physical backup** - Write your current PIN on paper and store it with your tax documents in a secure location 2. **Secondary password manager** - Some people use a second, simpler password manager as backup 3. **Trusted family member** - Give a copy to a spouse or trusted family member in (a sealed envelope if you prefer The) IRS online retrieval tool is also your backup - as long as your IRS online account is working, you can always retrieve your current PIN there. But having that physical backup gives you peace of mind if technology fails you during filing season. Remember, you ll'get your PIN in December/January, so you have time to set up your storage system before you actually need it!

Great question about old PINs! You should definitely delete previous years' PINs once you get your new one. Each IP PIN is only valid for one specific tax year, and there's really no legitimate reason you'd ever need to reference an old one. Keeping old PINs around just creates confusion (trust me, I've seen people accidentally try to use last year's PIN) and unnecessary security risk. As for password manager backup plans - yes, absolutely have one! I learned this lesson the hard way when my password manager had an outage right before a filing deadline. Here's what I recommend: 1. **Physical backup** - Write your current PIN on a piece of paper and store it with your tax documents in a secure location 2. **Trusted family member** - Some people give a sealed envelope with their PIN to a spouse or trusted family member 3. **Multiple password managers** - If you're really paranoid, you could use two different password manager services The key is making sure your backup method is just as secure as your primary storage. Never store it in plain text on your phone or computer where others might see it. @Jake Sinclair You re'definitely not overthinking this - having a solid backup plan for something this critical to filing your taxes is just smart planning!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Old IP PINs become invalid immediately when the new tax year begins, and keeping them around only creates confusion - I ve'seen people accidentally try to use last year s'PIN and get frustrated when their return is rejected. As for password manager backup plans, yes, having a contingency is smart! Here s'what I recommend: **Backup Strategy:** - Primary: Password manager - Secondary: Physical copy in your tax document folder - Emergency: A trusted family member or spouse who also has secure access if (you file jointly **Password) Manager Issues:** I ve'definitely seen people get locked out of their password managers during filing season due to forgotten master passwords, app updates, or device issues. That physical backup becomes critical in these situations. **Pro tip:** Test access to both your password manager AND your physical backup a week before you plan to file. Don t'wait until February 1st to discover your password manager app isn t'working or you can t'find your physical copy! The goal is redundancy without creating security risks. Two secure locations should be sufficient - more than that and you re'creating unnecessary exposure points.

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them once you get your new one. Old IP PINs become completely useless after the tax year ends - they won t'work for anything and keeping them around just creates confusion. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally tried to use my 2022 PIN for my 2023 return! As for password manager backup plans, yes, definitely have a secondary option. I ve'been in situations where my password manager app was updating right when I needed to file. Here s'what I recommend: 1. **Primary**: Password manager with the current PIN 2. **Secondary**: Physical copy in your tax document folder at home 3. **Emergency backup**: If you re'married/have a trusted family member, consider having them store a copy securely too The key is making sure at least one of these is always accessible when you need it. During filing season, I actually write my PIN on a sticky note that I keep with my tax prep materials, then destroy it after I file successfully. One more tip - when you get your new PIN each year, test accessing it from all your storage locations before you actually need to file. Nothing worse than discovering your backup plan doesn t'work when you re'rushing to meet a deadline!

Great questions! Regarding old PINs - you should definitely delete previous years' PINs once you receive your new one. Each PIN is only valid for one specific tax year, so keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There's really no legitimate reason you'd ever need to reference a previous year's PIN. As for password manager backup plans - yes, you're smart to think about this! I've seen people get locked out of their password managers right during filing season due to forgotten master passwords, device issues, or sync problems. Here's what I recommend: 1. **Test Access Early** - In December when you get your new PIN, make sure you can actually access your password manager from all devices you might use for filing. 2. **Emergency Access Codes** - Most good password managers offer emergency access codes or recovery options. Set these up in advance. 3. **Secondary Backup** - Keep one written copy in a truly secure physical location (safe, safety deposit box, or locked filing cabinet) as your absolute last resort. 4. **Multiple Device Sync** - Make sure your password manager syncs across at least two devices you control. The key is testing your access method well before filing season starts. Don't wait until February to discover you can't get into your password manager! @Jake Sinclair

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! Regarding old PINs - you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Each PIN is only valid for one tax year, and keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There s'no legitimate reason you d'ever need to reference a previous year s'PIN. For backup plans beyond your password manager, I d'recommend having at least one offline backup method. Here are a few options: 1. **Physical copy** - Write it down and store it with your tax documents in a secure location 2. **Encrypted USB drive** - Store a text file with your PIN on an encrypted drive kept in a safe place 3. **Trusted family member** - Some people share their PIN with a spouse or trusted family member who also has secure storage I ve'actually had my password manager go down right during filing season once server (maintenance ,)so having that physical backup saved me from a major headache. The IRS phone lines are brutal during peak filing times, so you definitely want to avoid having to call for PIN recovery if possible. Just remember that whatever backup method you choose, it needs to be as secure as your primary storage method. The whole point of the IP PIN is security, so don t'let a convenience backup become a security weakness!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new PIN. Each PIN is only valid for one tax year, and keeping old ones around just creates confusion I (learned this the hard way when I accidentally tried using my 2022 PIN for my 2023 return! .)There s'really no legitimate reason you d'ever need to reference an old PIN. As for password manager backup plans - yes, this is definitely worth thinking about! I ve'had my password manager app crash right when I needed it most. Here are a few backup strategies: 1. **Export a secure backup** of your password manager data periodically and store it on an encrypted USB drive 2. **Phone + Computer access** - make sure your password manager works on both your phone and computer, so if one device fails you have another option 3. **Physical backup card** - I actually write my current PIN on a small card that I keep in my wallet during filing season obviously (not labeled as tax "PIN -" I just use a code I ll'remember The) key is having at least 2-3 ways to access your PIN that don t'all depend on the same technology. Password managers are great, but having a simple physical backup gives you peace of mind when you re'racing to meet a filing deadline!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get the new one. Old IP PINs have no future use and keeping them around just creates confusion and (potential security risk .)Each PIN is only valid for that specific tax year s'return. Regarding password manager backup plans - yes, absolutely have a backup! I learned this the hard way when my password manager had a sync issue right before I needed to file. Here s'what I recommend: **Primary**: Password manager with your current PIN **Secondary**: Physical copy in your locked tax document folder **Emergency**: Consider having a trusted family member spouse, (etc. also) store a copy in their secure location The key is that all backup locations need to be equally secure. I ve'seen people write it on a sticky note just "in case and" that defeats the entire security purpose. One more tip - when you get your new PIN each year, take a photo of the CP01A notice with your phone as an immediate backup, then transfer it to secure storage and delete the photo. This gives you instant access while you re'organizing your tax documents. The peace of mind of having multiple secure access points is worth the small effort of maintaining them!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Old IP PINs become invalid and keeping them around just creates confusion - I ve'seen people accidentally try to use last year s'PIN and get their return rejected. The IRS generates a fresh PIN each year specifically so old ones can t'be used. Regarding password manager backup plans, you re'smart to think about this! Here s'what I recommend: 1. **Primary**: Password manager like (you mentioned 2.) **Secondary**: Physical copy in a locked file cabinet or safe 3. **Emergency backup**: Many people don t'think of this, but you can always retrieve your current PIN from your IRS online account if your other methods fail The key is that physical backup - if your password manager goes down or you can t'access it for some reason, you still have that paper copy. Just make sure it s'stored securely since it s'essentially the key to filing your taxes. I ve'been through a few filing seasons where people s'password managers synced incorrectly or they forgot their master password right during filing time. Having that physical backup has saved quite a few people from panic during tax season!

Great questions! Regarding old PINs - you should completely delete them once you get your new one. Each PIN is only valid for one tax year, so keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There's no legitimate reason you'd ever need to reference a previous year's PIN. For backup plans beyond password managers, I'd suggest: 1. **Print and secure storage** - Print your PIN when you receive it and store it with your tax documents in a locked file cabinet or safe 2. **Trusted family member** - If you're married or have a trusted family member who helps with taxes, they could store a copy separately 3. **Multiple password managers** - Some people use both a primary password manager and a secondary one (like built-in browser storage) as backup I've never personally had my password manager fail during filing season, but I have seen people get locked out due to forgotten master passwords right when they needed access. The physical backup has saved me once when I was traveling and couldn't access my usual setup. The key is having at least two completely independent ways to access your PIN - so if one method fails, you're not scrambling during filing season!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them once you get your new one. Each PIN is only valid for one specific tax year, so keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There s'really no scenario where you d'need to reference a previous year s'PIN. Regarding password manager accessibility issues - yes, this can happen! I learned this the hard way during a filing deadline when my password manager app was having sync issues. Here s'what I recommend as backup strategies: 1. **Print and Lock Away** - Print your PIN when you first receive it and store it with your physical tax documents in a locked drawer or safe. 2. **Trusted Family Member** - Consider giving a copy to a trusted spouse or family member who helps with your finances, stored securely on their end. 3. **Multiple Device Access** - Make sure your password manager works on both your computer and phone, so if one device has issues, you can access it from another. The key is having at least one completely offline backup that doesn t'depend on any technology working. During tax season, you don t'want to be troubleshooting app issues when you re'trying to meet a deadline!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new PIN. Old PINs become invalid immediately when the new tax year begins, and keeping them around only creates confusion trust (me, I ve'seen people accidentally try to use last year s'PIN and get their return rejected .)There s'never a legitimate need to reference an old IP PIN - each one is only valid for that specific tax year s'return. Once you ve'successfully filed your return for a given year, that PIN has served its purpose. Regarding password manager backup plans - yes, absolutely have a backup! I ve'seen people get locked out of their password managers right before the filing deadline due to forgotten master passwords, device issues, or sync problems. Here s'what I recommend: 1. **Physical backup** - Write your current PIN on a small piece of paper and store it with your tax documents in a locked drawer or safe 2. **Trusted family member** - If you have a spouse or family member you trust completely, consider giving them a sealed envelope with your PIN as emergency backup 3. **Multiple devices** - Make sure your password manager is accessible from at least two devices phone (and computer The) physical backup is really your safety net - just make sure to replace it each year when you get your new PIN!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Each PIN is only valid for one specific tax year, and keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There s'no legitimate reason you d'ever need to reference a previous year s'PIN. Regarding password manager backup plans - you re'absolutely right to think about this! I ve'seen people locked out of their password managers during filing season due to forgotten master passwords or technical issues. Here are a few backup strategies: 1. **Physical backup location** - Keep a written copy in your locked filing cabinet with other tax docs, but make sure it s'clearly labeled with the tax year. 2. **Trusted family member** - Some people give a copy to a spouse or trusted family member who also stores it securely. 3. **Recovery plan** - Make sure you know how to recover your password manager account backup (codes, recovery email, etc. before) you need your PIN. The key is having at least one backup method that doesn t'rely on the same technology as your primary storage. During filing season, you don t'want to be scrambling to recover access when you just want to file your taxes!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them once you get your new one. Old IP PINs become completely useless after the tax year ends - the IRS system won t'accept them, and keeping them around just creates confusion and (potential security risks if someone finds them .)Regarding password manager backup plans - yes, this is smart thinking! I ve'seen people get locked out of their password managers right during filing season due to forgotten master passwords or technical issues. Here s'what I recommend: 1. **Test your access early** - In December when you get your PIN, make sure you can actually access your password manager from all devices you might use for filing. 2. **Have that physical backup** - Keep one copy in your locked file cabinet with your tax documents. This isn t'just for security breaches - it s'for when technology fails you at the worst possible moment. 3. **Know your recovery options** - Make sure you have your password manager s'account recovery information up to date before you need it. 4. **Consider timing** - If you file early like many people here, you have some buffer time to resolve access issues. But if you wait until April, you ll'have less time to troubleshoot. The peace of mind from having multiple secure backup options is worth the small extra effort of maintaining them!

Great questions! For previous years' PINs, you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new PIN. Each PIN is only valid for one tax year, and keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There's no legitimate reason you'd ever need to reference a previous year's PIN - if you need to amend a return or deal with prior year issues, the IRS will work with you using other verification methods. Regarding password manager backup plans - yes, this is smart thinking! I've seen people locked out of their password managers due to forgotten master passwords, device failures, or service outages right during filing season. Here's what I recommend: **Primary**: Password manager with your current PIN **Backup 1**: Physical copy in your locked tax document file **Backup 2**: Consider a secondary password manager or encrypted note on a different device (like your phone if your primary manager is on your computer) The key is redundancy without over-exposure. Two secure locations should be sufficient - if both your password manager AND your physical backup fail simultaneously, you can still retrieve your PIN online through your IRS account (assuming your ID.Me access works) or call the IRS line as others mentioned. Just make sure any backup method uses the same security standards as your primary storage method!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new PIN. Old PINs become completely useless and keeping them around just creates confusion and (potential security risks .)Each PIN is only valid for that specific tax year - there s'never a legitimate reason to reference an old one. Regarding password manager backup plans, you re'absolutely right to think about this! I ve'seen people locked out of their password managers right before filing deadlines. Here are some backup strategies: **Redundant Digital Storage**: Use two different password managers like (1Password AND Bitwarden or) store it in both your password manager and an encrypted notes app. **Physical Backup**: Write it down and store it in a secure physical location - your safe, locked filing cabinet, or safety deposit box alongside other important tax documents. **Trusted Family Member**: Some people give a sealed envelope with their PIN to a trusted family member, but only if you re'comfortable with that level of access. The key is having at least one completely independent backup method that doesn t'rely on the same technology or service as your primary storage. During tax season, technology fails at the worst possible moments, so redundancy is your friend! Just remember - whatever backup method you choose, it needs to be just as secure as your primary storage method.

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Old PINs become invalid immediately when the new tax year begins, and keeping them around only creates confusion. I ve'seen people accidentally try to use last year s'PIN and get their return rejected. Regarding password manager backup plans - yes, absolutely have a backup! Even the most reliable password managers can have outages or sync issues right when you need them most. Here s'what I recommend: **Backup Strategy:** 1. Primary: Password manager encrypted, (easily searchable 2.) Secondary: Physical copy in your locked tax document folder 3. Emergency: If you have a trusted family member who also handles your taxes, consider giving them a sealed envelope with your PIN as a last resort **Additional Tips:** - Take a screenshot of your PIN when you first get it and store that image in your password manager too sometimes (seeing the actual format helps -) Set a calendar reminder for mid-December to check that you can access both your primary and backup storage locations - If your password manager has a emergency "access feature" for trusted contacts, that can be another safety net The key is redundancy without over-exposure. Two secure locations should cover 99% of situations!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Old IP PINs become invalid immediately when the new tax year begins, and keeping them around only creates confusion trust (me, I ve'seen people accidentally try to use last year s'PIN and get frustrated when their return is rejected .)The only exception might be if you re'dealing with an amended return from a previous year, but even then, you d'work directly with the IRS rather than needing the old PIN. Regarding backup plans for password manager access - absolutely have one! I ve'seen people locked out of their password managers right during filing season due to forgotten master passwords or technical issues. Here s'what I recommend: 1. **Physical backup** - Write your current PIN on a small piece of paper and store it with your tax documents in a secure location 2. **Trusted family member** - Some people share their PIN with a spouse or trusted family member stored (securely on their end too 3.) **Know your recovery options** - Make sure you know how to recover your IRS online account access, since you can retrieve your PIN there if needed The key is redundancy without compromising security. Two secure locations should cover most scenarios!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! Regarding old PINs - you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Each IP PIN is only valid for that specific tax year, and keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There s'no legitimate reason you d'ever need to reference a previous year s'PIN. As for password manager backup plans - you re'absolutely right to think about this! I ve'seen people locked out of their password managers right during filing season due to forgotten master passwords or technical issues. Here are some backup strategies: **Redundant Digital Storage**: Consider using two different password managers or storing a copy in your phone s'secure notes if (it has good encryption like iPhone s'Notes app .)**Physical Backup with a Twist**: Instead of just writing down the PIN, write it down but store it with your tax documents in a clearly labeled envelope like 2025 "IP PIN - Do Not Use After Filing. **Emergency" Access**: Some password managers offer emergency access features where trusted contacts can help you regain access after a waiting period. **Test Your Access**: About a week before you plan to file, make sure you can actually retrieve your PIN from wherever you ve'stored it. Don t'wait until filing day to discover there s'a problem! The key is having at least two completely independent ways to access your PIN. You re'definitely not overthinking this - being locked out of your PIN during filing season is a real nightmare scenario that s'worth planning for.

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Each PIN is only valid for one specific tax year, and keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There s'really no legitimate reason you d'ever need to reference a previous year s'PIN. As for password manager backup plans - yes, definitely have one! I ve'learned this lesson the hard way. Here are a few backup strategies: 1. **Export/Print Option** - Most password managers let you export your data. You could print just your IP PIN entry and store it with your physical tax documents. 2. **Secondary Password Manager** - Some people use a second, simpler password manager even (just encrypted notes on their phone as) a backup for critical items like this. 3. **Trusted Family Member** - If you file jointly or have someone who helps with your taxes, they could store a copy securely as well. The physical backup @Ally Tailer mentioned is really your best bet though. During filing season, technology always seems to fail when you need it most! I keep mine in the same folder as my W-2s and other tax docs - that way everything is in one place when I sit down to file.

Great questions! For previous years' PINs, you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new PIN. Each IP PIN is only valid for one specific tax year, and keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There's no legitimate reason you'd ever need to reference a previous year's PIN. Regarding password manager accessibility - you're smart to think about backup plans! I've seen people get locked out of their password managers right during filing season due to forgotten master passwords or technical issues. Here's what I recommend: 1. **Test your password manager access** in early January before you need your PIN 2. **Have that physical backup** stored securely with your tax documents 3. **Consider a backup digital option** - maybe store it in a second, different password manager or encrypted note app as redundancy The key is never putting all your eggs in one basket. If your primary password manager fails, you don't want to be scrambling to contact the IRS during peak filing season when wait times are brutal. Also, make sure you can actually access your IRS online account well before you need to file - don't wait until filing day to discover there's an issue with your ID.me credentials!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Each PIN is only valid for one tax year, so keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There s'no legitimate reason you d'ever need to reference a previous year s'PIN. Regarding password manager backup plans - yes, this is smart thinking! I ve'seen people get locked out of their password managers right before filing deadlines. Here are a few backup strategies: 1. **Print and Store Securely** - When you get your new PIN, print a copy and store it with your tax documents in a locked drawer or safe. Just remember to destroy the old printout when you get the new one. 2. **Trusted Family Member** - Some people give a copy to a spouse or trusted family member, stored in their secure documents. 3. **Bank Safe Deposit Box** - If you use one for other important documents, this works too. The key is having at least one completely offline backup that doesn t'rely on technology. Password managers are great, but having that physical backup gives you peace of mind during filing season when everything needs to work perfectly!

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! Regarding old PINs, you should definitely delete them completely once you get your new one. Each IP PIN is only valid for one tax year, so keeping old ones around just creates confusion and potential security risks. There s'no scenario where you d'need to reference a previous year s'PIN. For password manager backup plans, I actually recommend having both a secondary password manager like (if you use 1Password, maybe also have Bitwarden as backup AND) that physical copy stored securely. I learned this lesson the hard way when my primary password manager had an outage right during peak filing season a few years ago. Some additional tips for newcomers: Take a screenshot of your CP01A notice when it arrives store (that securely too -) it has other useful info beyond just the PIN. Also, set a phone reminder for mid-November to check if the IP PIN tool is available yet. The IRS doesn t'always announce the exact opening date clearly, so checking periodically helps you get ahead of the rush. The fact that you re'thinking about these security implications already puts you ahead of most people! Better to be overprepared than scrambling during filing season.

@Jake Sinclair Great questions! For previous years PINs,' you should definitely delete them completely once the new one arrives. Old IP PINs become invalid immediately when the new tax year begins, and keeping them around only creates confusion trust (me, I ve'seen people accidentally try to use last year s'PIN .)There s'no legitimate reason you d'ever need to reference an old PIN. Regarding password manager backup plans - yes, this is smart thinking! I ve'had clients get locked out of their password managers right during filing crunch time. Here are some backup strategies: 1. **Two-Factor Recovery** - Make sure your password manager has multiple recovery methods set up backup (codes, secondary email, etc. 2.) **Shared Access** - If you re'married/partnered, consider giving your spouse access to the PIN storage as a backup 3. **Physical Backup** - That locked file cabinet I mentioned earlier becomes crucial here. Print out your PIN when you receive it and store it with your tax documents 4. **Multiple Apps** - Some people use two different secure storage methods like (both a password manager AND a secure notes app as) redundancy The key is having at least one completely separate backup method that doesn t'rely on the same technology or account access. During tax season, Murphy s'Law is always in effect!