Creating an IRS.gov online account and obtaining an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is one of the most important steps taxpayers can take to help protect themselves from identity theft and fraudulent tax return filings. With cyber security threats, phishing scams, data breaches, and online account compromises increasing nationwide, criminals may attempt to use stolen personal information and Social Security Numbers to file fraudulent tax returns or access sensitive financial information. Many taxpayers do not realize their identity has been compromised until a fraudulent tax return is filed in their name or they receive unexpected IRS notices.

An IRS IP PIN (Identity Protection PIN) is a unique six-digit number issued by the IRS that helps prevent unauthorized individuals from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security Number. Once activated, the IRS generally requires the IP PIN to electronically file your federal tax return each year. Even if a cyber criminal obtains your Social Security Number, they typically cannot successfully file a tax return without the correct IP PIN.

Creating an IRS.gov online account also allows taxpayers to securely access important tax information online, including:

• Tax return transcripts

• IRS notices and letters

• Account balances

• Payment history

• Estimated tax payments

• IRS identity protection settings

• IRS IP PIN management

Steps to Create an IRS.gov Online Account

Step 1 – Visit the IRS Website

Go to the official IRS website and access the IRS Online Account section. Always verify that you are visiting the legitimate IRS.gov website and avoid clicking unknown links received through email or text messages.

Step 2 – Select “Create or View Your Account”

Choose the option to create a new IRS online account or sign in if you already have an existing account.

Step 3 – Verify Your Identity Through ID.me

The IRS currently uses ID.me for identity verification and account security. You will be prompted to create or log into your ID.me account.

You may need to provide:

• Your full legal name

• Social Security Number

• Date of birth

• Email address

• Mobile phone number

• Government-issued identification such as:

  • Driver’s license

  • State ID

  • Passport

Step 4 – Complete Identity Verification

ID.me may request additional verification steps such as:

• Uploading photos of your identification documents

• Taking a live selfie or video verification

• Confirming a verification code sent to your phone or email

These additional security measures help prevent unauthorized individuals from creating accounts using stolen personal information.

Step 5 – Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

After creating your account, enable two-factor authentication for additional security. This adds a second layer of protection beyond your password and helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Common verification methods include:

• Authentication apps

• Text message verification codes

• Email security codes

Strong passwords and two-factor authentication are highly recommended for all important online accounts.

Steps to Obtain Your IRS IP PIN

Step 1 – Log Into Your IRS.gov Account

After your IRS online account has been successfully created and verified, sign into your account securely.

Step 2 – Access the IP PIN Section

Within your IRS account dashboard, locate the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) section.

Step 3 – Request or Retrieve Your IRS IP PIN

Follow the prompts to obtain your IRS IP PIN. The IRS generally issues a new IP PIN annually. Be sure to store your IP PIN securely and provide it to your tax professional when preparing your federal tax return.

Why an IRS IP PIN Is Important

An IRS IP PIN can help:

• Prevent fraudulent tax return filings

• Protect against tax-related identity theft

• Reduce risk of refund fraud

• Add an extra layer of IRS account security

• Protect taxpayers whose Social Security Numbers may have been exposed in a data breach

As cyber attacks, phishing scams, and online account compromises continue to rise, proactively securing your IRS account and obtaining an IP PIN can help protect your personal and financial information from unauthorized use.

Important Security Tips

To help protect your IRS and financial accounts:

• Use strong unique passwords

• Enable two-factor authentication

• Avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments

• Monitor your email and financial accounts regularly

• Be cautious of phishing emails pretending to be from the IRS

• Never share your IRS IP PIN publicly

• Keep your contact information updated with the IRS

The IRS generally does not initiate contact through unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media requesting sensitive information.

Need Assistance?

If you experience difficulty creating your IRS.gov account, completing the ID.me verification process, obtaining your IRS IP PIN, or understanding how to better protect your tax and financial information from identity theft, Z Tax & Accounting may be able to assist you with general guidance and support throughout the process. Protecting your IRS account and securing your personal information has become increasingly important as cyber security threats, phishing scams, and fraudulent tax return filings continue to increase nationwide.