You can obtain an identity theft pin from the IRS to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. The identity theft pin is a six digit code that you obtain from the IRS yearly and input into your tax return. This code prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your social security number. Each taxpayer will receive their own identity theft pin from the IRS (married filing jointly taxpayers will receive two separate codes).
To obtain your IRS identity theft pin, you can log into http://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin and select “Get an IP PIN”. Taxpayers will need to validate their identity through Secure Access authentication to access the tool and their pin. The tool is offline between November and January. Before attempting this process, you should log into http://www.irs.gov/individuals/secure-access-how-to-register-for-certain-online-self-help-tools for a list of items you will need to validate your identity. Once verified, you will receive your pin in the US Mail within three weeks.
Protect your six-digit pin. Never share this security code pin with anyone other than a trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call, email or text a request for the pin.
This is a free method for taxpayers to protect themselves against identity theft.
If you have questions please contact me at sandrao@hallkistler.com
