IRS Identity Protection PIN for Expats: How to Get One

The IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents anyone from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number without including that PIN. Getting an IP PIN is a good idea for US expats, who are at elevated risk of tax identity theft because their SSNs may appear with foreign employers, financial institutions, and government agencies across multiple countries. You apply for an IP PIN through the IRS Get an IP PIN tool at IRS.gov, which requires identity verification through ID.me, a process that requires a US mobile phone number. Once you have an IP PIN, you must include it on every federal tax return you file for that year, and if you file without it, the return will be rejected. IP PINs are issued annually, so you will receive a new one each year by mail or through your online account, and you need to share the updated number with your tax preparer before they file each year's return.