IRS IP PIN for US Expats: How to Get One From Abroad

IRS IP PIN Requirements

What is an IRS Identity Protection PIN?

An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to help prevent someone else from filing a fraudulent federal tax return using your SSN or ITIN.

The IRS uses the PIN to verify that a return is being filed by the legitimate taxpayer.

Originally associated with identity theft victims, the program is now available to eligible taxpayers who want additional protection.

You do not need to have experienced identity theft to request one.

Who Needs an IRS IP PIN?

An IP PIN is optional for most taxpayers who have never enrolled or been assigned one.

However, if the IRS has issued you an IP PIN, you must include the current PIN when filing applicable federal individual income tax returns.

This applies to:

• Current-year returns.
• Prior-year returns.
• Amended returns.

The IP PIN is separate from your SSN, ITIN, electronic filing PIN, and IRS account password.

How to Get an IRS IP PIN From Abroad

The fastest way to obtain an IP PIN is through the IRS website.

You generally do not need a US mailing address to use the online application, although you must successfully complete identity verification.

Step 1: Visit the IRS IP PIN Website

Go to the official IRS Get an Identity Protection PIN page.

Select the option to access your IRS Individual Online Account.

If you already have an account, sign in using your existing credentials.

Otherwise, follow the instructions to create an account.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

The IRS requires identity verification before issuing an IP PIN.

Depending on the available sign-in method, you may need to provide:

• Your SSN or ITIN.
• Personal identification information.
• A government-issued photo ID.
• Additional information or verification requested by the identity provider.

Taxpayers living abroad may encounter difficulties if their identity documents, telephone access, or personal information cannot be verified through the available system.

If online verification fails, use one of the alternative application methods discussed below.

Step 3: Request Your IP PIN

After signing in, navigate to the Profile section of your IRS account and locate the IP PIN option.

The IRS currently provides two voluntary enrollment choices:

Continuous enrollment: You remain enrolled for the current and future calendar years.

One-time enrollment: You receive an IP PIN for the current calendar year and are automatically opted out at year-end.

Follow the instructions to complete your selection.

Step 4: Retrieve Your Six-Digit PIN

Once your request is approved, your IP PIN should be available through your account.

Store it securely.

Do not confuse the IP PIN with the security code used to sign in to your IRS account.

Step 5: Use the PIN When Filing Your Tax Return

Enter the six-digit IP PIN in the designated field of your tax software.

If an expat tax accountant prepares your return, provide the current IP PIN securely before filing.

A tax professional cannot independently request your IP PIN from the IRS.

How to Get an IP PIN Without a US Address or Phone Number

One common concern for Americans abroad is whether they can obtain an IP PIN without maintaining a US address or telephone number.

Applying Without a US Mailing Address

The online IP PIN process is generally the most practical option because the PIN can be retrieved electronically.

However, you must still complete the IRS identity verification requirements.

If you cannot establish an online account, alternative methods may involve receiving correspondence through the postal service.

For this reason, keeping your mailing address current with the IRS is important.

Applying Without a US Phone Number

The IRS does not generally require every overseas taxpayer to maintain a US telephone number simply to qualify for an IP PIN.

However, identity verification and account recovery may involve telephone or other authentication requirements.

Available options depend on the sign-in provider and your circumstances. If you cannot complete the online process, Form 15227 may be an alternative, provided you have access to a telephone for IRS identity verification.

Alternative Method: Apply Using Form 15227

Taxpayers who cannot establish an IRS Online Account may qualify to request an IP PIN using Form 15227.

This option is available only to applicants who meet the IRS eligibility requirements.

Form 15227 Eligibility

To qualify, you generally must:

• Have a valid SSN or ITIN.
• Not already have an assigned IP PIN.
• Have adjusted gross income on your last filed return below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing jointly.
• Have access to a telephone for identity verification.

These income limits, listed in the IRS IP PIN FAQs, apply to adjusted gross income, not necessarily gross salary or total household receipts.

How to Submit Form 15227

1. Open the official IRS Form 15227 application.
2. Complete the requested identification and contact information.
3. Submit the application using an IRS-accepted submission method.
4. Wait for the IRS to contact you to verify your identity.
5. After successful verification, receive your IP PIN by mail.

The IRS generally indicates a processing period of approximately four to six weeks for this method.

For Americans abroad, international mail delivery and telephone accessibility may affect the process.

Important: Do not submit Form 15227 if the IRS has already assigned you an IP PIN. Use the retrieval process instead.

What If You Cannot Verify Your Identity Online?

Some Americans abroad cannot complete online verification or do not qualify for Form 15227.

In these cases, the IRS offers in-person identity verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

This generally requires an appointment and appropriate identification documents.

Because Taxpayer Assistance Centers are located in the United States, this option may be impractical for someone living overseas. Before arranging international travel, review the available IRS alternatives and contact the IRS to discuss your situation.

How to Retrieve a Lost IRS IP PIN From Abroad

If you previously received an IP PIN but cannot find it, you generally should not apply for another one.

Instead, retrieve the current PIN.

Option 1: Check Your IRS Online Account

Sign in to your IRS Individual Online Account.

Open your Profile page and locate the IP PIN section.

Your current IP PIN should be available during the IRS online system’s operating period.

The online service is generally unavailable during annual maintenance from approximately mid-November to mid-January.

Option 2: Contact the IRS From Overseas

If you cannot access your account, you may contact the IRS to discuss having your IP PIN reissued.

For international callers, the IRS lists:

+1 267-941-1000

This number is not toll-free.

The IRS may verify your identity and mail the PIN to your address on record.

Reissuance by mail is not available in every situation, including certain first-year voluntary enrollments and annual maintenance periods.

If the PIN belongs to a child under 18, it cannot be retrieved through the child’s online account. The IRS provides a telephone-based reissuance process.

What Happens If Your Tax Return Is Rejected Because of an IP PIN?

If the IRS has assigned you an IP PIN, entering an incorrect or outdated PIN, or leaving it blank, will generally cause your electronically filed tax return to be rejected.

This does not mean your return has been processed or that you owe additional taxes. You simply need to correct the IP PIN issue and resubmit your return.

How to Fix an IP PIN Rejection

1. Check the rejection notice. Review the message from your tax software or accountant to confirm that the rejection relates to an IP PIN.
2. Identify whose PIN is incorrect. The issue may involve your IP PIN or one assigned to your spouse or dependent.
3. Retrieve the correct IP PIN. Sign in to your IRS Online Account to find your current six-digit PIN.
4. Update your tax return. Enter the correct IP PIN in the designated field.
5. Resubmit your return. Electronically file the corrected return and confirm that the IRS accepts it.

What If You Cannot Retrieve Your IP PIN?

If you cannot retrieve your assigned IP PIN, you may need to file a paper return without it. The IRS will conduct additional identity verification, which can delay processing and any refund.

Whenever possible, retrieve the correct IP PIN and resubmit electronically to avoid these delays.

Can You File Without an IP PIN?

Yes. Most taxpayers can file their US tax returns without an IP PIN, as it is not mandatory unless the IRS has assigned them one.

However, if you have been issued an IP PIN, you must include the correct number when electronically filing your tax return. Otherwise, the IRS will reject it.

If you cannot retrieve your assigned IP PIN, you may file a paper return without it. However, the IRS will need to verify your identity, which can delay processing and any refund.

Whenever possible, retrieve your IP PIN before filing to avoid unnecessary delays.

Does Your IRS IP PIN Change Every Year?

Yes. An IRS IP PIN is valid for one calendar year.

The IRS generates a new six-digit PIN annually.

For example:

The year of filing determines which IP PIN you use, even when filing a return for an earlier tax year.

Taxpayers enrolled online generally retrieve their new PIN through their IRS account each year.

Those assigned an IP PIN following confirmed identity theft may receive an annual CP01A notice by mail.

Can Your Spouse or Child Have an IP PIN?

Yes. Spouses and dependents may have their own IP PINs.

Each PIN belongs to the individual to whom it was issued.

If both spouses have IP PINs, the appropriate PIN must be entered for each spouse on a joint return.

A dependent’s IP PIN may also be required when the dependent has been assigned one.

Parents and legal guardians can request IP PINs for eligible dependents through the IRS’s available procedures.

For children under 18, alternative enrollment and identity verification procedures generally apply.

Common IP PIN Mistakes US Expats Should Avoid

• Using last year’s PIN. A new IP PIN is generated every calendar year.
• Submitting Form 15227 for a lost PIN. The form is for new applicants, not taxpayers who already have an assigned PIN.
• Confusing an IP PIN with an IRS account code. These serve different purposes.
• Waiting until the filing deadline. Account verification, PIN retrieval, and international mail can take time.
• Using the wrong PIN for a prior-year return. The PIN must match the calendar year in which the return is filed.
• Sharing the PIN through unsecured messages. Provide it only through a secure method to a trusted tax professional when needed.