This past week, taxpayers began receiving letters that contain their IP PIN for use when filing their 2019 tax returns. An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers that helps prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.
If your client lost the CP01A letter and needs an IP PIN, they can go to Get an IP PIN or Retrieve Your IP PIN. Users must validate their identities. If unable to validate, your client should call the identity theft line at 800-908-4490 to have the information mailed. If your client moved after Jan. 1, 2020, they will need to file a paper return without an IP PIN.
The IRS is expanding the voluntary opt-in program in phases. To be eligible for 2020, taxpayers must have filed a federal return last year as a resident of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas or Washington.
States are being added in phases until the program moves nationwide. The IRS encourages tax professionals to assist their clients who want to voluntarily opt into this IP PIN program by using Publication 5367 as a resource.