Identity Protection Now Available to All Taxpayers

        A program that was once only open to those who were confirmed to have been victims of Identity Theft has now been opened to all taxpayers. The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six digit code known only to the taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It prevents thieves from filing false Tax Returns using a victim’s personal information. The expansion of this program is certainly an acknowledgment of how pervasive the danger of Identity Theft continues to be.

This is a voluntary program. If you choose to join, you must go through a detailed process to verify who you are. This PIN must be entered on all electronic and paper documents to avoid rejection or returns. The IRS will never call, text, or email you and ask for your PIN. There is currently no opt-out for this program, but one may be provided in the future. Those who are already in the program will experience no change.

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