Starting in January 2021, the IRS will allow all individuals to receive an IP PIN
The IRS will unveil a portal in mid-January 2021 expanding its IP PIN ID Theft Program to all Individual Taxpayers
IRS announcement IR-2020-267 states that all individuals will be eligible to request an IP PIN beginning in January, 2021
What Is an IP PIN?:
An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to a taxpayer to prevent the misuse of Social Security numbers by others trying to submit fraudulent federal income tax returns. It helps the IRS verify taxpayers’ identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return. IPINs have been available for years to taxpayers who have experienced ID theft. This is an expansion of that program.
How to Obtain an IP PIN
To obtain an IP PIN, beginning in mid-January 2021, taxpayers can go to The Tool, which the IRS says is the preferred method, as it is the only method that immediately reveals the PIN to the taxpayer. Other alternatives are discussed below. The online tool employs Secure Access authentication, which uses several methods to verify a person’s identity.
Taxpayers with either a Social Security number or an individual tax identification number (ITIN) who can verify their identity are eligible for the opt-in program. Any primary taxpayer (first on the tax return), secondary taxpayer (second on the tax return), or dependent may obtain an IP PIN if he or she can pass the identity proof requirements.
The IRS says it plans to offer an opt-out feature to the IP PIN program in 2022 for taxpayers who find the opt-in program is not right for them.
There is no change to the IP PIN program for victims of identity theft. Taxpayers who want to voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program do not need to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
Alternative Process
Taxpayers who cannot establish their identity online and pass Secure Access authentication can follow alternative procedures to obtain an IP PIN, though they will not receive one immediately.
Taxpayers with income of $72,000 or less with access to a telephone should complete Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number, and mail or fax it to the IRS. The IRS will call taxpayers to verify their identity by asking a series of questions. For security reasons, taxpayers who pass authentication through this process will receive an IP PIN the following tax year.
Taxpayers who cannot verify their identity remotely or who are ineligible to file a Form 15227 may make an appointment to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center, bringing two forms of picture identification to enable an in-person identity verification. An IP PIN will be mailed to the taxpayer within three weeks of the meeting.
The IRS emphasized that taxpayers who obtain an IP PIN should never share it with anyone except their tax preparer. The IRS will never call a taxpayer to request an IP PIN, and taxpayers should be alert to IP PIN scams, as the ingenuity of criminals appears boundless.
How Long of a Period Is an IP PIN Valid?
The IP PIN is valid for one year. The taxpayer must obtain a newly generated IP PIN every January. The IRS IP PIN site is generally not available from mid-November through Mid-January of each year.
Tax Planning Tip #1
In years past when an ID theft victim lost or misplaced his IP PIN, the filing of the taxpayer’s return was delayed because the return could not be filed until the IRS sent a new IP PIN to the taxpayer which could take several weeks. With this new program, the taxpayer will supposedly be able to log onto the IRS site and instantaneously retrieve his IP PIN.
Tax Planning Tip #2
If you decide to use an Alternate method and call the IRS to obtain an IP PIN, be sure to have your prior year’s tax return in front of you when the IRS calls you. The IRS will undoubtedly ask for information from that return. It is also recommended if you file a married joint return that you have your spouse on the phone with you. The IRS may ask for maiden names of parents.
Tax Planning Tip #3
Although the IRS announcement states that a taxpayer may make an appointment to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center, many of these centers have been closed thus making this alternative not practical for many taxpayers.
If you would like to discuss your business or personal tax planning, tax preparation and other financial concerns with an experienced tax professional, we invite you to call 610-594-2601 today to make an appointment at our Exton PA CPA office to discuss your situation. You can also schedule a consultation at Click Here.
About F. Bryan Haarlander, EA, CTRS:
Bryan Haarlander, an Enrolled Agent and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, is an affiliate member of the Suburban West Realtors® Association, a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS), PA Society of Tax & Accounting Professionals (PSTAP), the National Society of Accountants (NSA) and the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP). He is the author of “How to Resolve Your IRS Tax Debt Problems” as well as a book on how to start your own business. He has been practicing in Exton for 19 years. His firm serves clients in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, which includes the cities of Chester Springs, Coatesville, Collegeville, Devon, Downingtown, Exton, Frazer, King of Prussia, Paoli, Philadelphia, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Radnor, Reading, Wayne, West Chester in Berks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, as well as clients in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and throughout the continental USA.
If not a subscriber to his blogs, http://www.taxexpertblog.com and http://www.stopmytaxproblems.comyou may wish to do so as he discusses various pertinent tax and business issues.
For individual tax payers, real estate professionals, contractors and other self-employed individuals with IRS tax debt issues or tax planning issues, feel free to contact me at (610) 594-2601 or by email at info@keysolutions.us.
Keystone Financial Solutions, Inc. specializes in providing innovative tax planning, tax preparation, and solving IRS tax debt problems. The company’s web site is https://www.keysolutions.us and its telephone number is (610) 594-2601.
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