IRS reminder: Take steps now to protect tax information

IR-2026-127, Oct. 22, 2026

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to protect their information from tax-related identity theft by safeguarding their IRS online-account credentials and obtaining an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

"Protecting sensitive financial information is essential to preventing unauthorized users from accessing confidential tax information and IRS online services," said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. "By safeguarding their online account credentials and obtaining an IP PIN, taxpayers can help stop tax-related identity theft, file their tax return with greater confidence, and know they have done what they can to protect themselves from bad actors."

Access IRS Individual Online Account

After taxpayers verify their identity, they can securely access their IRS Individual Online Account to view tax information and complete certain tax-related tasks.

Taxpayers should not share their sign-in information with anyone. An online account may include sensitive information, such as recently filed returns, refund status, payments, tax records, notifications, and service requests.

Get an IP PIN

Taxpayers can also obtain an Identity Protection PIN to help prevent tax-related identity theft. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using another taxpayer's Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

The IP PIN is known only to the taxpayer and the IRS. Taxpayers who do not already have one may request an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect themselves from tax-related identity theft. Taxpayers can obtain an IP PIN even if they are not required to file a federal tax return.

Taxpayers who plan to file early in 2027 should request an IP PIN before the online system becomes unavailable for annual maintenance in mid-November. The system is generally available again beginning in mid-January.

Taxpayers should protect their IP PIN and disclose it only to a trusted tax professional when they are ready to prepare and submit their federal tax return. The IRS will never call, email, text, or contact taxpayers through social media to request their IP PIN.