IRS Sends a Friendly Reminder: You Can Now Get Your IP PIN!

Hey there, tax preparers! It’s that time of year again, and the IRS wants to make sure you’ve got all the info you need. They’ve just announced that IP PINs are now available, and they’re pretty excited about it! So let me break it down for you.

You might be wondering, what the heck is an IP PIN? Well, my friend, it’s an important tool that helps protect your tax identity. It’s like a secret code that shows the IRS you’re the real deal when it comes to filing your taxes. With all the identity theft and cyber scams going around, having an IP PIN is serious business.

Now, you’re probably wondering how to get your hands on one of these fancy IP PINs. Lucky for you, the IRS has made it super easy. You can head over to their website and check if you’re eligible. If you pass the eligibility test, they’ll send you your very own IP PIN.

Remember, the IRS wants to make sure you’re safe and secure when it comes to your taxes. That’s why they’re offering this extra layer of protection. It’s like a shield that keeps the bad guys from stealing your hard-earned money.

So, I know taxes can be a real headache, but let’s give credit where credit is due. The IRS is doing their best to keep things running smoothly and keep your information safe. Don’t forget to grab your IP PIN and give yourself some peace of mind this tax season!

The Internal Revenue Services and its Security Summit partners want to remind tax professionals like me to make sure you know about the IRS Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program. It’s really important in the fight against tax-related identity theft.

Get Your IRS IP PIN Now

During the Security Summit’s annual summer campaign, we focus on tax professionals and the steps we can take to stop data theft from happening in our offices. We’ve seen a big increase in identity thefts recently, especially with scammers using the pandemic, fake emails, social media posts, and even phone calls pretending to be IRS agents. They’re trying to steal your hard-earned money and your identity!

For your safety, there’s one thing you need to know: tax professionals can’t get an IP PIN for you. You have to get it yourself.

But what exactly is an IP PIN?

Did you know that scammers have sneaky ways of getting into the computer systems of tax professionals and taxpayers? It’s true! They use these tactics to steal confidential information that they can then use to file fake tax returns. The problem is, these fake returns can look real because they use actual financial data. Sometimes, scammers even sell this information to other fraudsters so they can commit even more tax fraud.

Luckily, the IRS has a tool called the IP PIN that can help protect taxpayers. This security tool is available to anyone who files taxes, and it makes it much harder for criminals to file fake returns under your name. So you can rest a little easier knowing that the IRS is working hard to keep your information safe!

Have you heard of an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)? It’s like a secret code made up of six numbers that keeps your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number safe. The IP PIN is a special number that only you and the IRS know, and it helps prove that it’s really you when you file your taxes online or on paper.

These special numbers are like superheroes that protect you from tax-related fraud when someone tries to use your personal information without permission. The IRS has made the IP PIN program available to everyone who can prove who they are. We want tax professionals to tell their clients how important it is to use an IP PIN and keep themselves safe, says IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig.

If you need to make sure it’s really me, just head over to IRS.gov/getanippin. We’ll do a thorough check to confirm your identity. Once that’s done, I’ll give you an IP PIN right away. Your IP PIN keeps your taxpayer’s account safe, even if you don’t have to file taxes anymore. It’s like a secret code that rejects any e-filed return without it. And guess what? You get a new IP PIN every year for extra security!

Oh, and here’s a heads up on some things you should watch out for when it comes to suspicious communications. Tricky crooks who know their way around technology and taxes often target unsuspecting taxpayers and tax experts. They like to play on our fears and stress, especially if we’ve fallen victim to identity theft. Just remember, the IRS won’t ever give you an unexpected call about a tax refund.

When someone tries to scam you, it’s important to remember that the IRS will never call you and demand immediate payment using a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. They usually start by sending a bill in the mail to anyone who owes taxes.

The IRS won’t threaten to get the local police or any other law enforcement involved to arrest you for not paying. They also won’t demand payment without giving you a chance to question or dispute the amount you owe.

If tax professionals have their data stolen, they can help their clients protect themselves by advising them to get an IP PIN right away. Even if a thief has already filed a fake tax return, an IP PIN can still provide safeguards for future years and prevent taxpayers from becoming repeat victims of identity theft related to taxes.