What this notice is about This notice tells you about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) we sent you. Each year, we issue CP01A notices that have a unique 6-digit IP PIN with instructions on how to use it. Recipients of Notice CP01A don't need to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF, unless you as a recipient experience an identity theft incident after you received a notice CP01A. View this notice and manage your communication preference online Sign in to your Online Account to: View and download this notice Go paperless for certain notices Get email notifications for new notices What you need to do when filing Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040 PR/SS You must enter your 6-digit IP PIN in the correct place on your federal tax return: Electronic returns Every taxpayer who receives an IP PIN must enter it on the return. This includes the primary taxpayer, spouse, and dependent. If only one taxpayer receives an IP PIN, enter it with that taxpayer's Social Security number (SSN). If both taxpayers receive an IP PIN, both taxpayers must enter the IP PIN with their SSNs. If your dependent received an IP PIN, you must include his or her IP PIN on your federal tax return as well as Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses PDF, and Schedule EIC, Earned Income Credit PDF. Paper returns The primary taxpayer or secondary (spousal) taxpayer who receives an IP PIN must enter it on the return. Enter the IP PIN for the first taxpayer listed on the tax return in the box marked "Identity Protection PIN" located to the right of Your signature and occupation. Enter the IP PIN for the second taxpayer listed on the tax return in the box marked "Identity Protection PIN" located on the right of Spouse's signature and occupation. Important things to remember about your IP PIN Protect your IP PIN. Do not reveal your IP PIN to anyone other than your tax preparer. You must use your IP PIN on your current or prior years Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040 PR/SS returns you file in the calendar year or: We'll reject electronically filed returns. The processing time may increase for paper returns, which would delay any refund due to you. Your IP PIN is valid only for federal income tax returns. If your state issues similar PINs, use only those PINs for state income tax returns. These PINs are different. We'll send you a CP01A notice with a new IP PIN each December/January by postal mail. Store the CP01A notice securely with your tax records. If you misplace your IP PIN Visit Retrieve your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for instructions on how to recover your original IP PIN or how to request a replacement. Where can I find more information on the IP PIN? Visit Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). Review the IP PIN FAQs page. Helpful information Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers PDF Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers PDF Reference tools Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer Identity Theft Central Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) Deceased taxpayer and identity theft Full list of tax forms and instructions Need help? You can authorize someone to represent you before the IRS or inspect and/or receive confidential tax information. You may be eligible for free help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). See if you qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. You can request a copy of your notice or letter in Braille or large print. If you can’t find what you need online, call the telephone number on your notice or letter.
