IRS Form 15227 English & Spanish – If you want to protect your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from tax-related identity theft, the IRS IP PIN is one of the most effective tools available. The official paper application is IRS Form 15227 (EN-SP) — a fully bilingual form available in both English and Spanish.
This step-by-step guide explains exactly what Form 15227 is, who should use it, how to complete it, where to submit it, and the fastest ways to get your IP PIN in 2026. All information is taken directly from current IRS.gov pages (updated February 2026).
What Is an IRS IP PIN and Why Do You Need One?
An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS. When you file your federal tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, etc.), you enter this PIN in the signature area. It blocks anyone else from e-filing a return using your SSN or ITIN — even if they have your personal information.
Key benefits
- Prevents fraudulent tax returns filed in your name
- Required on every federal return you (or someone claiming you as a dependent) file
- Free and voluntary for any taxpayer with an SSN or ITIN
- New six-digit IP PIN issued every year
The IRS now allows anyone with an SSN or ITIN to enroll proactively — you do not need to be a victim of identity theft.
Three Ways to Get an IP PIN in 2026 (Fastest to Slowest)
- Online (Fastest – Recommended)
Create or log into your IRS Online Account → Profile page → “Identity Protection PIN” section.
You receive the IP PIN immediately after identity verification (ID.me process).
Perfect for most taxpayers and for dependents age 18+. - Form 15227 (English & Spanish) – For those who cannot verify online
Use this bilingual form if your adjusted gross income (AGI) on your most recent tax return is below $84,000 (single) or $168,000 (married filing jointly) and you cannot create an IRS Online Account. - In-Person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)
Schedule an appointment if you do not qualify for Form 15227 or prefer face-to-face verification. Bring two forms of ID.
Who Should Use IRS Form 15227?
You qualify to submit Form 15227 (online or by mail) only if all four of these are true:
- You do not already have an IP PIN
- You have a valid SSN or ITIN
- Your AGI on your last filed return is under $84,000 (individual) or $168,000 (MFJ)
- You have access to a U.S. phone number (IRS will call to verify your identity)
Parents/legal guardians can use Form 15227 for:
- Dependents under age 18
- Dependents who cannot create an ID.me account
How to Complete and Submit Form 15227 (Bilingual Instructions)
The form is Form 15227 (EN-SP) Rev. 1-2025 — one document with English on one side and Spanish on the other.
Step-by-Step Filling Instructions
Box a – Full name of the person requesting the IP PIN (as shown on last tax return)
Box b – Complete U.S. or international mailing address
Box c – Check “Yes” if this is for a dependent (parent/guardian completing)
Box d – 9-digit SSN or ITIN
Box e – Phone number (with area code) where the IRS can reach you Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time
Box f – Choose English or Spanish for the verification call
Box g – Print your name, sign, and date (MM/DD/YYYY)
Important reminders on the form
- Have your most recent tax return ready for the verification call.
- The IRS will call the number you provide to verify identity (caller ID may show “IRS” or a toll-free number; you can confirm by calling 800-908-4490).
- New IP PINs are mailed in early January each year via CP 01A Notice.
Two Easy Submission Options
Option A – Submit Online (Fastest for Form 15227)
Go to the official online Form 15227 page:
https://www.irs.gov/dmaf/form/f15227
Fill out the guided wizard (same fields as the PDF) → Submit electronically → Download a copy for your records.
Option B – Download & Mail/Fax the PDF
Direct download link (bilingual):
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15227.pdf
Mail to:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA 93888-0025
Do not mail and fax the same form — it will delay processing.
What Happens After You Submit Form 15227?
- IRS calls the phone number on the form to verify your identity.
- Once verified, you receive your IP PIN by U.S. mail (usually 4–6 weeks).
- You will then receive a new IP PIN automatically every January via CP 01A Notice.
IP PIN for Dependents
- Age 18+: They can apply online themselves.
- Under 18 or cannot use ID.me: Parent/guardian uses Form 15227 (online or mail) or books a TAC appointment and brings extra documents for the child.
Retrieving a Lost IP PIN
Do not file Form 15227 again.
- Log into your IRS Online Account (fastest)
- Or call 800-908-4490 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time)
Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
- Q: Is Form 15227 still required?
No — the online account method is faster and available to everyone. Use Form 15227 only if you cannot verify identity online and meet the income limits. - Q: Can I submit Form 15227 in Spanish?
Yes — the entire form and the online wizard support Spanish. - Q: How long is the IP PIN valid?
One calendar year. You must use the current year’s IP PIN on every federal return you file during that year. - Q: Will the IRS ever ask me for my IP PIN by phone, email, or text?
Never. Anyone who does is a scammer.
Final Tips for 2026 Filing Season
- Enroll as early as possible — the online tool is unavailable mid-November through mid-January.
- Share your dependent’s IP PIN with anyone who claims them (required for e-filing).
- Keep your IP PIN in a safe place — you will need it every year.
Ready to apply?
→ Fastest option: IRS Online Account (recommended)
→ Bilingual paper/online form: Form 15227 on IRS.gov
→ Direct PDF download: f15227.pdf
Protect your taxes and your identity today. Getting an IP PIN takes just minutes online — or a few weeks with Form 15227 — and gives you powerful protection against tax-related identity theft.
All information sourced directly from IRS.gov (pages last reviewed/updated February 2026). Always verify the latest details on the official IRS website before submitting any form.