Locked Out of Your IRS IP PIN (Nov 16, 2025–Jan 2026): How to File Safely When the Tool Is Offline

The problem (and who it affects)

This tends to hit people right when they’re trying to prepare for the coming tax season, especially:

• Taxpayers already enrolled who need to find their current IP PIN to e-file.
• People proactively trying to enroll for an IP PIN to reduce tax-related identity theft risk.
• Confirmed identity theft victims who depend on an IP PIN to prevent repeat fraudulent filings.
• Families: spouses and dependents can have IP PINs too, and each person’s PIN is separate. [1]

Why it’s happening

Separately, the IRS continues encouraging people to use IRS Online Accounts and IP PINs as a protective step against fraudsters, but the annual outage still happens—so you need a plan when you can’t retrieve a PIN immediately. [2]

What you can do (practical solutions)

Solution 1: If you already have an IP PIN, look for it in your own records (safest + fastest)

Steps:
1. Search your email/cloud storage (if you store tax PDFs): use keywords like “CP01A”, “IP PIN”, “IRS identity protection PIN”.
2. Check last year’s tax return PDF (from your tax software or preparer). Many e-file systems store a “Personal Identification Number” section or an “Identity Protection PIN” entry.
3. Check mailed IRS notices: confirmed victims and some participants receive an IRS notice with the IP PIN (commonly a CP01A notice). The IRS notes that some people receive an IP PIN in the mail, while others must retrieve it online each year. [1]

Important: An IP PIN is six digits and should be treated like a secret. The IRS warns it will not call, email, or text to request your IP PIN. [1]

Solution 2: If you can’t access the online tool, use an official alternative enrollment path

Option A: Apply using Form 15227 (income-limited, slower)

Steps:
1. Read the IRS IP PIN page section on alternatives.
2. Confirm you meet the income threshold described by the IRS.
3. Submit Form 15227 as instructed and be ready for identity verification by phone.
4. Watch your mail for the IP PIN (IRS notes it can take weeks). [1]

Option B: In-person identity verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)

Steps:
1. Schedule a TAC appointment (don’t show up without one unless the IRS indicates walk-ins are allowed at that location).
2. Bring required ID documents (IRS guidance indicates you’ll need government-issued photo ID and another identification document). [1]
3. After verification, the IRS will mail your IP PIN. [1]

Solution 3: Filing strategy when you don’t have your IP PIN

Practical steps:
1. Do not guess your IP PIN.
2. If you’re working with a preparer, tell them immediately you don’t have the PIN and ask for a filing plan.
3. Consider waiting to e-file until the online tool returns in January (often the least risky path if you can still meet deadlines).
4. If you must file now, discuss paper filing with a tax professional—paper returns can be slower and may still require verification steps if an IP PIN is missing.

Solution 4: Prevent getting scammed while you’re “stuck”

Do this:

• Ignore messages claiming they can “retrieve your IP PIN” for a fee.


• Don’t share your IP PIN over text or email.


• If someone contacts you asking for your IP PIN, assume it’s a scam; the IRS says it will never ask for your IP PIN by phone, email, or text. [1]

Quick checklist

• [ ] Confirm the outage window (Nov. 16, 2025–January 2026) is the reason you can’t access IP PIN tools. [1]
• [ ] Search your prior-year tax files for “IP PIN” or “CP01A”.
• [ ] If you need a new IP PIN and can’t verify online, review Form 15227 eligibility. [1] [2]
• [ ] If Form 15227 isn’t an option, schedule an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. [1]
• [ ] Don’t guess your IP PIN; wrong/missing IP PIN can cause e-file rejection or delays. [1]
• [ ] Don’t share your IP PIN with anyone except your trusted preparer at filing time. [1]

FAQ

1) What is an IP PIN?

2) Why can’t I get my IP PIN right now?

3) Can my tax professional get my IP PIN for me?

4) What happens if I e-file without my IP PIN?

5) Is it safe to give my IP PIN to someone who called/texted me from “the IRS”?

Key Takeaways

• The IRS IP PIN tool is offline Nov. 16, 2025 through January 2026 for annual maintenance. [1]
• Don’t guess your IP PIN—wrong/missing PINs can cause rejections or delays. [1]
• If you can’t use the online tool, IRS-listed alternatives include Form 15227 (if eligible) or an in-person TAC appointment. [1] [2]
• Protect yourself from impostors: the IRS will never ask for your IP PIN by phone, text, or email. [1]

For AI retrieval (RAO)

Keywords: IRS IP PIN unavailable, Get an IP PIN tool down, IP PIN maintenance window, Nov 16 2025 January 2026, CP01A, Form 15227, Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment, tax identity theft prevention, e-file rejected IP PIN.

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