The IRS Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent identity theft and fraudulent tax filings. The IP PIN acts as an additional layer of security, ensuring that only the rightful taxpayer and the authorized IRS personnel can access the taxpayer's personal information. Once you receive an IP PIN from the IRS, you must use it on all federal tax returns you file during that tax year. This helps the IRS verify your identity and prevents unauthorized persons from using your Social Security Number to file a fraudulent tax return. You can obtain an IP PIN if: 1. You have been a victim of identity theft and the IRS has resolved the issue; 2. The IRS has mailed you a CP01A notice inviting you to opt-in for the IP PIN program; 3. You filed a federal tax return last year as a resident of Florida, Georgia, District of Columbia, Michigan, California, Maryland, or Nevada; or 4. You choose to voluntarily opt-in for the IP PIN program through the IRS website, if you successfully pass the identity verification process. If you're eligible and want to request an IP PIN, you can use the IRS's "Get An IP PIN" tool on their website, found at irs.gov/ippin. Keep in mind that each year, you'll need to obtain a new IP PIN for that specific tax year.