FREE NEWSLETTER
Go to main Forum page »
Have you heard of the IP PIN?
(This is from the IRS website)
“An identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return.
If you don’t already have an IP PIN, you may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft, even if you are not required to file a tax return.
Anyone who has an SSN or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and is able to verify his/her identity is eligible to enroll into the IP PIN program. Parents and legal guardians can also request an IP PIN for dependents.
Note: If you or your dependent are under age 18 and would like to request an IP PIN, you must use one of the alternative enrollment options.”
A few hours ago , I completed my return on TurboTax and forgot to enter my PIN. The return was rejected and I had to get it from my online IRS account, entered the PIN and refiled. It was accepted minutes later.
I highly recommend a PIN. Without it, fraudsters can file a return using your name and SS# before you file. They will get a refund and when you file, it will be a big mess to clean up. Most people’s SS# is on the dark web due to so many security breaches in recent years, so most of us are vulnerable to this without using a PIN.
I highly recommend getting an IP PIN. Thanks, Nick
Many may think, “Why bother?” It’s very likely your PII is out there in a dataset. I’ve read article from victims describing how it’s moderately easy to file a fraudulent return using these resources claiming a refund. This will gum up your own actual filing and return with the understaffed IRS and may require months of work to address. I urge you to put this added layer of protection in play. It’s a simple process to get this done once you have the right login ID with the IRS. Protective due diligence…
I agree and it is easy to do.I did this for myself years ago as part of a broader plan after a relatively minor (compared to most) but irritating identity theft event-that did not involve taxes. We subsequently did it for my wife as well.