You find your IRS IP PIN (Identity Protection PIN) through the IRS, not your computer or internet provider. Here’s where to look and how to get it back if you lost it.

Where do I find my IP PIN?

1. Check your IRS notices (mail)

If you’re already in the IP PIN program, the IRS mails you a new 6‑digit IP PIN every year, usually in a notice called CP01A.

  • Look through recent IRS mail from December–February for a CP01A notice.
  • The 6‑digit number printed on that notice is your current Identity Protection PIN.
  • Each year’s IP PIN is only valid for that filing season; you get a new one annually.

If you’ve moved, make sure your address is updated with the IRS, or your IP PIN notice may have gone to an old address.

2. Find it in your IRS online account

If you can’t find the letter, you can usually retrieve your IP PIN online.

Step‑by‑step:

  1. Go to the IRS website and sign in to your online account.
  1. If you’ve never used it before, you’ll have to create an account and verify your identity (often done via ID.me with ID documents and a selfie or short video call).
  1. After signing in, go to your Profile page.
  1. Scroll to the Identity Protection PIN / IP PIN section.
  1. Your current 6‑digit IP PIN will be displayed there, if one has been assigned.

If you are not yet enrolled, the online account will usually give you the option to enroll in the IP PIN program and get a PIN right away after identity verification.

3. How to retrieve or reissue a lost IP PIN

If you had an IP PIN but can’t retrieve it online or by mail, there are reissue options.

  • Use your IRS online account to retrieve your current IP PIN if you already have one.
  • If that doesn’t work, the IRS can reissue it by phone at the IP PIN assistance line listed on their “Retrieve your IP PIN” page.
  • For minor dependents , their IP PIN usually cannot be retrieved online, and you’ll need to call the IRS identity protection line.

The IRS uses the IP PIN to validate your identity, so they won’t give it out casually; expect identity checks if you call.

4. If you don’t have an IP PIN yet but want one

You might be searching “where do I find my IP PIN” because tax software is asking for it, even though you were never issued one. In that case, you may need to get an IP PIN rather than find an existing one.

Options:

  • Enroll online (fastest):
    • Create/sign in to an IRS online account.
* Go to your profile and choose to **enroll in the IP PIN program**.

* Pick one‑year or continuous enrollment so the IRS issues you a new PIN every year automatically.
  • Mail‑in request (if you qualify):
    • If your income is under a certain threshold (for example, around tens of thousands of dollars, depending on filing status), you may be able to submit Form 15227 to request an IP PIN.
* After the IRS verifies your identity by phone, they mail your IP PIN in several weeks.
  • In‑person appointment:
    • Schedule a visit at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center.
* Bring government‑issued photo ID and required documents, have your identity verified, and then the IRS will mail you the IP PIN (usually within a few weeks).

Once you’re in the program, you’ll get a new IP PIN every year, normally by mail and visible in your online account.

5. Why the IP PIN matters when filing

  • An IP PIN is a 6‑digit number that helps the IRS confirm that it’s really you filing the tax return.
  • It protects your Social Security number or ITIN from someone else filing a fake return in your name.
  • If you’re required to use an IP PIN and you e‑file without it or with the wrong one, the IRS will reject the return, and you must correct the IP PIN before e‑filing again.
  • Paper returns without the correct IP PIN can be delayed while the IRS manually verifies your identity.

Many tax software programs (like TurboTax) have a specific screen labeled “Add/Edit IP PIN” or similar, where you type in the 6‑digit number once you’ve found it.

6. Quick reference table

Here’s a compact overview of where to find or get your IP PIN:

Situation Where to find / what to do
You’ve had an IP PIN before Check IRS CP01A letter in your mail; or sign in to your IRS online account and open your Profile → IP PIN section.
You lost your IP PIN Retrieve it via IRS online account, or call the IRS IP PIN phone line listed on their “Retrieve your IP PIN” page.
You never had an IP PIN, but want one Use the IRS online account “Get an IP PIN” enrollment; or, if eligible, mail Form 15227; or visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Dependent’s IP PIN Usually cannot be viewed online; call the IRS identity protection assistance number for dependents.
[9][3][7][5] **TL;DR:**
  • Look for an IRS CP01A letter in your mail or sign in to your IRS online account and check your profile’s IP PIN section.
  • If you can’t see it, use the IRS “Get an IP PIN” or “Retrieve your IP PIN” options online, by phone, mail, or in‑person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.