New IRS pilot program offers extra protection for taxpayers

Reporter: Lindsey Sablan
Published: Updated:
MGN

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Florida taxpayers are eligible for a new pilot program offered by the IRS aimed at preventing tax-related identity theft.

Florida continually ranks as one of the top states in the United States for tax identity fraud. The new IRS program allows residents in Florida, Georgia or the District of Columbia to register for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

The IP PIN is a six-digit number that must be used on a tax return, in addition to the Social Security number, to verify the taxpayers’ identity, the IRS said.

Once a taxpayer opts into this program, they will need to use an IP PIN for future year filings. A new IP PIN will be mailed to the taxpayer each year before the filing season, and the current IP PIN must be used on the tax return before it will be accepted by the IRS for processing. You can get an IP Pin immediately even if you plan to file later in the year.

For more information, and to register, visit IRS.gov/getanippin.

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