Understanding Your CP01A Notice
This letter tells you about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) we sent you.
What you need to do
- Store this IP PIN letter with your tax records. You will need it to file your tax return.
- Use your IP PIN on your 2012 federal income tax return. Do not reveal your IP PIN to anyone other than a tax professional. Reveal it only for the purpose of filing your income tax return.
What you may want to do
- Review the information at Identity Theft and Your Tax Records.
- Review Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance
Answers to Common Questions
What is an IP PIN?
It is an identification number we give to taxpayers who have:
- reported to us they have been victims of identity theft
- given us information that verifies their identity
- had an identity theft indicator applied to their account
The IP PIN helps to prevent the misuse of a taxpayer's Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number on income tax returns.
Why are you sending me an IP PIN?
You reported to us you were a victim of identity theft. The IP PIN will help us to verify your identity when you file your federal income tax return.
How will I use the IP PIN when I file my return?
A question will prompt you to input your IP PIN when you are filing an electronic return. If you file a paper return, enter your IP PIN in the gray box just to the right of the spouse's signature/occupation.
Will my IP PIN become a permanent identification number?
No - It is a single use identification number. It is only for your upcoming federal income tax return. We will send you a new IP PIN every year.
How long will I have to use an IP PIN?
We will send you a new IP PIN every year for as long as the identity theft indicator remains on your account.
Should I use this IP PIN on my state tax return?
No - It is only for your federal income tax return.
What should I do if I lose my IP PIN?
You should contact IRS at 1-800-908-4490 ext. 245 or visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center. You will need to validate your identity to the assistor who can provide you with a replacement IP PIN. The replacement IP PIN will allow you to e-file your return or file by paper. However, there may be a delay in processing your return while we validate your information. This is for your protection.
Will filing a return without my IP PIN affect it?
You will not be able to e-file your return and it may take more time for us to process your paper return because we will have to validate your identity to protect your information. This could delay a refund if you are receiving one.
I am filing jointly with my spouse and a) we both received an IP PIN or b) only my spouse received an IP PIN. What should we do?
Only the person whose SSN appears first on the tax return, will need to input their IP PIN. If you are the spouse on a joint return, you will not be required to enter your IP PIN on the tax return even if you received one.
We have more complete answers to questions you might have about the IP PIN process on our Frequently Asked Questions about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) page.
Understanding your notice
Your notice may look different from the sample because the information contained in your notice is tailored to your situation.
Notice CP01A, Page 1
Notice CP01A, Page 2
