Your tax return gets rejected because you don’t have your IRS IP PIN—and the IRS “Retrieve IP PIN” tool is offline (Nov–mid‑Jan): what to do right now
The problem (and who it hits)
If you’ve ever been assigned an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)—because you were a victim of tax-related identity theft, or because you opted in for extra protection—you must include that six-digit IP PIN when filing certain federal returns.When the IP PIN is missing or wrong, e-filing can be rejected, and paper filing can lead to longer processing delays.
This becomes extra stressful in winter because the IRS takes parts of the IP PIN process offline for annual maintenance. The IRS states that the IP PIN service can be unavailable in Individual Online Account during a maintenance window (for 2025–2026, the page notes Nov. 16, 2025 through January 2026). [1]
You’re likely dealing with this if:
- You received a CP01A notice in prior years but can’t find it.
- Your tax software says something like “IP PIN required” or your return is rejected.
- You opted in to the IP PIN program and now can’t retrieve the current year’s PIN.
- You’re trying to access it during the IRS annual tool downtime.
Why it’s happening
1. IP PINs are annual. A new IP PIN is generated each calendar year, and you must use the current one when filing. [2] 2. The IRS temporarily takes the IP PIN entry/retrieval process offline. IRS internal guidance describes an end-of-year maintenance period in November with restoration in mid-January, and advises that taxpayers can file by paper without an IP PIN (with delays). [3] 3. Identity verification is now a common bottleneck. The fastest way to retrieve an IP PIN is generally through an IRS Online Account, which requires identity verification. If you get stuck at verification (document/selfie issues, MFA problems, etc.), progress can stall. ID.me notes it can help with verification, but IRS account/service issues and certain IRS error codes require contacting the IRS. [4]Solutions: what to do (step-by-step)
Start with the quickest, lowest-cost path.Solution 1: Try IRS Online Account retrieval (when available)
Best for: Most people—when the service is online.1. Go to the IRS page for retrieving an IP PIN (via IRS Online Account). [1]
2. Sign in to your IRS Online Account (or create one).
3. Look for the IP PIN in your account profile area (the IRS directs users to retrieve it via the Online Account/profile). [1]
4. Save it safely:
- Store it in a password manager secure note.
- Print a copy and store with other tax documents.
Important: If the IRS page indicates the tool is offline, you’ll need one of the alternatives below. [1]
Solution 2: Check whether your CP01A notice is visible in your Online Account
Best for: People who already have access to the IRS Online Account.The IRS internal manual indicates that a digital copy of the CP01A notice may be viewable in the Notices section of the Individual Online Account in some situations, even when parts of the IP PIN tooling are offline. [3]
Steps:
1. Sign in to your IRS Online Account.
2. Navigate to Notices.
3. Look for CP01A and see if it contains your current IP PIN.
Solution 3: Request re-issuance by phone (mail delivery)
Best for: You can’t access your online account (or retrieval is down) and you need the IP PIN reissued.The IRS provides a dedicated phone path for IP PIN reissuance:
1. Call the IRS IP PIN line (IRS lists 800-908-4490 for U.S. callers; it also lists an international number). [1]
2. If you can verify your identity with the assistor, the IRS says your IP PIN will be mailed within 21 days to your address on file. [1]
3. Watch your mail closely and keep that letter with tax documents.
Notes:
- A minor dependent’s IP PIN cannot be retrieved online; the IRS directs callers to use the phone line. [1]
- Reissuance can have restrictions in certain situations (for example, timing and how you enrolled). [1]
Solution 4: File a paper return without the IP PIN (expect delays)
Best for: You can’t retrieve/reissue in time and must file anyway.The IRS states that if you file without your IP PIN:
- E-file will be rejected.
- A paper return will be reviewed to verify identity, which delays processing/refunds. [1]
Steps:
1. Print and complete your return.
2. Mail it via a trackable method.
3. Expect slower processing and plan cash flow accordingly.
Solution 5: If you’re stuck at ID.me verification, use the right escalation path
Best for: You’re blocked on document upload, selfie, MFA, or you see an IRS error code after verifying.1. If your selfie/document flow fails repeatedly, ID.me advises switching to a short video call verification when required/available. [5]
2. If you receive an IRS-specific error code after verification, ID.me notes that the IRS must resolve IRS error codes and account/service issues, while ID.me can assist with identity verification only. [4]
Quick checklist
- [ ] Confirm whether you were assigned an IP PIN previously (identity theft case or opted-in).
- [ ] Check the IRS “Retrieve your IP PIN” page for whether the tool is currently offline. [1]
- [ ] If you can sign in, check IRS Online Account Notices for CP01A. [3]
- [ ] If you can’t retrieve online, call the IRS IP PIN line for reissuance and confirm your mailing address is current. [1]
- [ ] If you must file now, prepare to file by paper (and expect delays). [1]
- [ ] Save next year’s IP PIN securely (password manager + printed backup).
FAQ
1) What is an IP PIN, and do I have one?
An IP PIN is a six-digit number used to help prevent tax-related identity theft. The IRS assigns it to identity theft victims and also allows taxpayers to opt in. [1]2) Can I e-file without my IP PIN?
If the IRS expects an IP PIN for you and it’s missing or wrong, the IRS states your electronic return will be rejected. [1]3) If the online retrieval tool is offline, can IRS support “unlock” it faster?
The IRS describes the downtime as a planned annual maintenance window; when it’s down, you typically need to use alternatives like phone reissuance or paper filing. [1] [3]4) How long does a reissued IP PIN take?
The IRS states that if you can verify your identity by phone, the IP PIN will be mailed within 21 days to the address on file. [1]5) Is it safe to share my IP PIN with someone helping me file?
Treat it like a one-time filing credential: the IRS warns not to reveal it broadly and notes that requests for your IP PIN via unsolicited calls/emails/texts are scams. [2]Key Takeaways
- IP PIN problems spike during the IRS annual maintenance window when online retrieval can be unavailable. [1] [3]
- Missing IP PINs typically mean e-file rejection; paper filing is possible but slower. [1]
- The lowest-friction fix is usually IRS Online Account retrieval (when available) or checking for CP01A in Notices. [1] [3]
- Phone reissuance can work, but it may require waiting for mail delivery. [1]
- If verification is the blocker, separate ID.me verification issues from IRS account/service issues and escalate to the right place. [4] [5]
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Compact summary: IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a 6-digit annual code required to file when assigned (identity theft victims or opt-in). Missing/incorrect IP PIN causes e-file rejection; paper filing without IP PIN triggers identity review and delays. IRS may take IP PIN retrieval/entry tools offline annually from mid-November to mid-January; alternatives include checking CP01A notice in IRS Online Account notices, calling IRS IP PIN line for reissuance (mail within ~21 days after phone identity verification), or filing a paper return and waiting longer.Keywords: IRS IP PIN missing, e-file rejected IP PIN, Retrieve your IP PIN unavailable, CP01A notice, IRS Online Account IP PIN, ID.me IRS verification stuck, IP PIN reissue 800-908-4490, paper return without IP PIN delay