IRS Publication 5367 English & Spanish – In an era of rising tax-related identity theft, the IRS offers a powerful free tool to protect your refund and identity: the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). IRS Publication 5367 (EN-SP), titled Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program for Taxpayers (English/Spanish Version), explains everything you need to know in clear bilingual format.
Revised March 2024 (Catalog Number 73362D), this free PDF is available directly from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5367es.pdf. It’s designed for easy printing and sharing by taxpayers, tax professionals, and community organizations.
What Is IRS Publication 5367?
Publication 5367 is an official IRS brochure that details the IP PIN Opt-In Program. It covers:
- What an IP PIN is
- Program benefits
- Eligibility
- Step-by-step application instructions
- Important security reminders
The publication is fully bilingual (side-by-side English and Spanish), making it accessible to millions of taxpayers. While the core information remains consistent, always cross-reference the latest details on IRS.gov because income thresholds and online tools are periodically updated for inflation and security enhancements.
What Is an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?
An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned by the IRS that is known only to you and the IRS. It acts as an extra layer of verification when you file your federal tax return.
- It stops identity thieves from filing fraudulent returns using your stolen Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- The IRS uses it to confirm your identity before accepting and processing your electronic or paper return.
- Confirmed identity theft victims automatically receive an IP PIN once their case is resolved. Since 2021, the program has been open to any taxpayer who can verify their identity — even if you’ve never been a victim.
Key fact from Publication 5367: “The IP PIN helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns with stolen Social Security numbers (SSNs).”
Who Is Eligible for the IP PIN Opt-In Program?
Anyone with a valid SSN or ITIN who can successfully verify their identity qualifies. This includes:
- Primary taxpayers
- Spouses (each needs their own IP PIN on joint returns)
- Dependents (parents or guardians can request one; children 18+ can often apply themselves)
Note for minors: If the dependent is under 18, alternative methods (Form 15227 or Taxpayer Assistance Center) are required.
The program is completely voluntary, though the IRS strongly encourages enrollment.
Top Benefits of Enrolling in the IRS IP PIN Program
- Prevents tax refund theft — Fraudulent returns using your SSN/ITIN are rejected.
- Faster, smoother processing — Correct IP PIN entry avoids delays and rejections.
- Peace of mind — One of the strongest protections against tax-related identity theft.
- Free and easy — No cost, and online enrollment takes minutes once your identity is verified.
- Annual renewal — A new IP PIN is issued each year for maximum security.
Tax professionals and the IRS call the IP PIN “the number one security tool currently available to taxpayers.”
How to Get an IP PIN in 2026 – Step-by-Step (Current Methods)?
The fastest and preferred method is online. Here’s how:
1. Online (Fastest – Recommended)
- Create or log into your IRS Online Account at IRS.gov (requires ID.me or Login.gov verification).
- Go to the Profile tab → IP PIN section.
- Choose continuous enrollment (stays active year after year) or one-time enrollment (expires at year-end).
- Your new IP PIN appears immediately.
Availability: Mid-January through mid-November each year. The tool is unavailable mid-November to mid-January during annual maintenance.
2. Form 15227 (Phone Verification Alternative)
Use if you cannot create an Online Account and your adjusted gross income (AGI) on your most recent return is:
- Below $84,000 (single, head of household, etc.)
- Below $168,000 (married filing jointly)
Submit Form 15227 online. An IRS representative will call the phone number you provide, verify your identity, and mail your IP PIN (usually 4–6 weeks initially, then annually).
3. In-Person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)
Schedule an appointment via the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Locator or by calling 844-545-5640. Bring proper photo ID and supporting documents (full list on the IP PIN FAQ page). IP PIN is mailed within about 3 weeks.
Pro tip: Enroll early — before mid-November — so your IP PIN is ready when tax software opens in January 2026.
How to Enter Your IP PIN on Your Tax Return?
- E-filing: Tax software will prompt you (and each spouse/dependent with an IP PIN). Enter exactly as shown.
- Paper filing: Write the six-digit IP PIN in the “Identity Protection PIN” boxes next to the signature line on Form 1040 (or 1040-SR, etc.).
Missing or incorrect IP PIN → e-file rejection or paper return delay.
Security Reminders from Publication 5367
- The IRS will never email, text, or call asking for your IP PIN.
- Share it only with your trusted tax preparer or software when filing.
- Protect it like your SSN — scams pretending to be the IRS are common.
- Never give your IP PIN as “proof of identity” in other situations.
Retrieving or Replacing a Lost IP PIN
Log into your IRS Online Account → Profile → IP PIN section. No paper CP01A notice is mailed if you enrolled voluntarily.
Can You Opt Out?
Yes — if you voluntarily enrolled and have never been a tax-related identity theft victim. Log into your Online Account and select the opt-out option. One-time enrollees are automatically opted out at year-end. Allow up to 72 hours for the change to process.
Download IRS Publication 5367 English & Spanish PDF
Get the official bilingual brochure instantly:
→ Download Publication 5367 (EN-SP) PDF
Also recommended:
- Main IP PIN page: irs.gov/getanippin
- Full FAQs: irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin
Frequently Asked Questions (2026 Updates)
- Q: Do I need a new IP PIN every year?
Yes. A new one is generated annually. - Q: Does the IP PIN affect my refund speed?
No — it only verifies identity. - Q: Can tax preparers get an IP PIN for me?
No. You must apply yourself for security reasons. - Q: Is it required?
No, but highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
IRS Publication 5367 makes protecting yourself from tax identity theft simple and clear in both English and Spanish. With just a few minutes online, you can lock down your SSN/ITIN against fraud for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026) and beyond.
Don’t wait until tax season chaos hits — create your IRS Online Account and get your IP PIN today. Your future self (and your refund) will thank you.
Sources: Official IRS.gov pages (last reviewed/updated February 2026), Publication 5367 (Rev. 3-2024), and 2025 tax season guidance. Always verify the latest details directly on IRS.gov, as procedures can be refined for security.