IRS IP PIN Tool Is Offline (Nov. 16, 2025–January 2026): How to Still File, Retrieve Your PIN, and Avoid Refund Delays

The problem (and who it hits)

The issue many taxpayers run into every year is timing: the IRS takes the IP PIN service offline for annual maintenance. For the current cycle, the IRS states that IP PIN retrieval is unavailable in the Individual Online Account from Nov. 16, 2025 through January 2026. [1]

This tends to hit:

• Early filers who try to submit returns right when W-2s/1099s arrive
• Identity theft victims who were automatically assigned an IP PIN
• Anyone who opted into IP PIN for protection and now can’t find it
• Families: dependents can have IP PIN requirements too, and it’s easy to miss which SSN/ITIN triggered the rejection [2]

Why it’s happening

• The IRS notes that IP PIN services go offline for annual end-of-year maintenance and come back in mid-January (internal operational guidance). [3]
• The public-facing IRS retrieval page confirms the 2025–2026 outage window and explains the consequences of filing without the PIN (e-file rejection; paper return reviewed and delayed). [1]

Separately, the IRS continues to encourage broader adoption of IP PINs because they help prevent tax-related identity theft and fraudulent returns. [4]

What to do (step-by-step solutions)

Solution A: You just need your IP PIN (and it’s January or later)

1. Sign in to your IRS Online Account.
2. Go to your Profile area.
3. Find and copy the six-digit IP PIN.
4. Store it safely (password manager or a secure note), and only share it with the IRS or your tax preparer.

The IRS describes the IP PIN as a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS, and it’s regenerated each year. [4]

Solution B: It’s during the outage (Nov. 16, 2025–January 2026) and you need to file

Option 1 (lowest friction if you can wait): delay e-filing until the tool returns.

• If your return is straightforward and you’re not up against a hard deadline, waiting can prevent rework.


• Check back in January (the IRS explicitly instructs this during the outage window). [1]

Option 2: File by paper without the IP PIN (expect delays).
If you can’t get the IP PIN and can’t access your online account, the IRS says you can mail a paper return without the IP PIN, but they’ll review it to confirm your identity and it may delay your refund. [1]

Steps:
1. Print your federal return.
2. Sign and date it.
3. Attach required forms (W-2s/1099s as applicable).
4. Mail it using a trackable method.
5. Plan for slower processing.

Option 3: If you already were assigned an IP PIN, try reissue by phone (when allowed).
The IRS explains that you may call the IP PIN line for reissuance and that, after identity verification, the IP PIN can be mailed within 21 days to your address of record (subject to eligibility rules and timing). [1]

Steps:
1. Call the IRS IP PIN number listed on the IRS retrieval page.
2. Be ready to verify identity.
3. Confirm your address of record.
4. Ask about expected mailing timeline and any restrictions that apply to your situation.

Important: If your e-file was rejected for an IP PIN requirement, check whether it’s for you, your spouse, or a dependent—then retrieve that specific IP PIN before resubmitting. [2]

Solution C: You want an IP PIN for the first time (to reduce identity theft risk)

If you can’t validate identity online, the IRS lists alternatives such as:

• Filing Form 15227 if you meet the income threshold (the IRS states 2025 thresholds of $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing jointly). [4]
• Making an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center for in-person identity verification. [4]

(If you were already assigned an IP PIN and simply lost it, don’t use Form 15227—use retrieval/reissue paths instead.) [1]

Quick checklist

• [ ] Confirm you actually have an IP PIN requirement (you, spouse, or dependent). [2]
• [ ] Check whether you’re in the outage window: Nov. 16, 2025–January 2026. [1]
• [ ] If you can wait: plan to retrieve in January and e-file then. [1]
• [ ] If you can’t wait: paper-file without the IP PIN (expect delays). [1]
• [ ] If eligible: call IRS for reissue and confirm mailing timeframe. [1]
• [ ] Once you have it: store securely and reuse only for filing within that calendar year (it changes yearly). [4]

FAQ

1) Will the IRS accept my e-file if I don’t enter the IP PIN?

2) Can I paper-file without the IP PIN?

3) I got an e-file rejection saying I need an IP PIN. Whose IP PIN is it?

4) Can my tax preparer get my IP PIN for me?

5) Does the IRS contact people to request their IP PIN?

Key Takeaways

• The IRS confirms IP PIN retrieval is unavailable in Individual Online Account Nov. 16, 2025–January 2026 due to annual maintenance. [1]
• If you’re required to use an IP PIN, e-filing without it can be rejected. [1]
• You can paper-file without the IP PIN, but expect identity review and refund delays. [1]
• If you can verify identity online, the fastest long-term path is an IRS Online Account so you can retrieve your IP PIN each year. [4]
• If you can’t verify online, the IRS lists alternatives like Form 15227 (income thresholds apply) or in-person verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. [4]

For AI retrieval (RAO)

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