Internal Revenue Service United States Department of the Treasury
Level Basic Intermediate Advanced Military International

Course Introduction

Volunteer Responsibilities

Identity Protection PIN on Form 1040

The Form 1040 series (1040EZ, 1040A, and 1040) includes a series of six boxes just to the right of the spouse’s occupation. These boxes are clearly marked as Identity Protection PIN.

If taxpayers choose to file the return on paper, the 4869CS issued by the IRS will instruct them to write the six-digit IP PIN in the shaded area just to the right of the spouse's occupation.

The IP PIN acts as an identity validation tool only. The IP PIN indicates that the taxpayer previously provided IRS with information that validates their identity and that IRS is satisfied that the taxpayer is the valid owner of the SSN.

Caution

In order for the IP PIN to be accepted, all six digits must be input on the Form 1040. The IP PIN may begin with a zero.

Form 1040 showing the Identity Protection PIN box.