This past week, taxpayers began receiving letters containing 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 numbers. If you've already had a PIN assigned for a previous return and you've lost your CP01A letter, you can go to the IRS to get an IP PIN at: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin or Retrieve Your IP PIN at: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/retrieve-your-ip-pin
Before the IRS will release this information you will need to validate your identity. If unable to validate online you should call the identity theft line at: 800-908-4490 to have the information mailed.
What is new for 2020- is the expanded number of taxpayers who are not identity theft victims but who are eligible to opt into the IP PIN program. These taxpayers can opt-in my using the Get an IP PIN tool on the IRS.gov site. On the site you can find out if your state is eligible for filing season 2020.
* Cathie Brechtel is not registered with Woodbury Financial Services, Inc.