The IRS and the Security Summit partners encourage you to join the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program.

An IRS IP PIN is a special six-digit number that helps prevent criminals from filling fraudulent federal income tax returns or stealing refunds using your personal information. IP PINs are unique because they are known only to the you and the IRS.

You can get an IP PIN if you have a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and can successfully verify your identity.

The easiest and fastest way to get an IP PIN is with Get my IP PIN, which is available from mid-January through mid-November.