 TITLE: What Is a Taxpayer Identity Protection PIN? CONTENT: How Do Tax Identity Protection PINs Work?\n-----------------------------------------\nAn Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit code that the IRS can assign to taxpayers. Your IP PIN is tied to your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have an IP PIN, you'll add it to your tax return before filing.\nRequesting and using an IP PIN could help you fight tax identity theft because the IRS will reject e-filed returns or stop processing paper-filed returns that don't have the correct IP PIN. As a result, scammers won't be able to file a tax return using your information unless they've also stolen your IP PIN. END