Get an IP PIN Before Mid-November: How NJ Taxpayers Can Block Fake Tax Returns in 5 Minutes

# Get an IP PIN Before Mid-November: How NJ Taxpayers Can Block Fake Tax Returns in 5 Minutes  > **Executive Summary for the Taxpayer:** An IRS Identity Protection PIN is a unique six-digit number that helps stop someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or ITIN. The IRS says the online IP PIN tool will be unavailable for annual maintenance in mid-November, so New Jersey taxpayers planning to file early in 2027 should request their PIN before then. [IRS: IR-2026-127](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminder-take-steps-now-to-protect-tax-information) For tax preparation New Jersey residents can get ahead of fake federal returns by requesting an IRS identity protection PIN online. **Brick Taxes** can help you understand the filing steps; call **732-540-1040** with questions. ## **What an IRS Identity Protection PIN Does for New Jersey Taxpayers** An IP PIN is a six-digit number known to you and the IRS. It helps the IRS verify your identity when you file a federal return and prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using your SSN or ITIN without the required PIN. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) The PIN is for federal individual income tax returns, including the Form 1040 series. If a taxpayer who has an IP PIN files without the correct number, an e-filed return may be rejected; an incorrect or missing PIN on a paper return may delay processing while the IRS verifies the information. [IRS IP PIN FAQs](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin) ## **Why Get Your IP PIN Before Mid-November?** The IRS announced on October 22, 2026, that taxpayers planning to file early in 2027 should request an IP PIN before the online tool becomes unavailable for annual maintenance in mid-November. The IRS says the system is generally available again beginning in mid-January; the announcement does not provide exact shutdown or reopening dates. [IRS: IR-2026-127](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminder-take-steps-now-to-protect-tax-information) If you want to use the online option, act before November rather than waiting for a particular day. The IRS says the IP PIN is generally available in your online account from mid-January through mid-November. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin)  ## **Get an IP PIN New Jersey: The Online Steps** The IRS says the fastest way to request an IP PIN is through your IRS Online Account. The application step may be quick once your account is set up, but identity verification can take longer than five minutes. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) 1. Go to the official [IRS IP PIN page](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) and select the option to get an IP PIN. 2. Sign in to your IRS Online Account, or follow the instructions to create one and verify your identity through the IRS's identity-verification process. 3. Find the IP PIN enrollment option in your account profile and request a PIN. Eligible taxpayers may choose continuous enrollment or one-time enrollment. [IRS IP PIN FAQs](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin) 4. Store your PIN securely. If the IRS mails you a CP01A notice, keep it in a safe place; taxpayers who enroll online should retrieve their PIN from their online account each year rather than expect a CP01A notice. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) 5. Give the number to your trusted tax preparer when you are ready to prepare and submit your federal return. **Brick Taxes** clients can provide it to their preparer through the appropriate secure process; call **732-540-1040** if you need help with next steps. [IRS: IR-2026-127](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminder-take-steps-now-to-protect-tax-information) **Security reminder:** The IRS will not call, email, text, or contact you through social media to ask for your IP PIN. Don't send it in response to an unexpected message or give it to someone who claims they need it to release a refund. [IRS: IR-2026-127](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminder-take-steps-now-to-protect-tax-information) ## **Can't Verify Online? Check the Form 15227 Route** If you can't establish an IRS Online Account, Form 15227 may be an option. The current form says you must not already have an IP PIN, must have a valid SSN or ITIN, must have access to a telephone, and must have adjusted gross income on your last filed return below **$84,000 for an individual** or **$168,000 for married filing jointly**. [IRS: Form 15227](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15227.pdf) The IRS uses the phone number on the form to call and validate your identity. After verification, it generally mails the IP PIN within four to six weeks, so this method is not as quick as requesting one online. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) If Form 15227 is not available to you, the IRS says you may request an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. Check the IRS instructions for current appointment details and required identity documents. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) ## **What an IP PIN Does Not Protect** An IP PIN helps secure a federal income tax return; it is not an all-purpose identity-theft shield. It does not prevent non-tax identity fraud, such as someone misusing your information for employment or financial accounts, and it does not replace monitoring your accounts and personal information. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) The IRS says an IP PIN is not entered on a state tax return. Don't assume a federal PIN applies to your New Jersey return; check with the [New Jersey Division of Taxation](https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/) about state filing procedures. [IRS IP PIN FAQs](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin)  For ways to recognize phishing and other identity-theft schemes, read our [IRS scams and identity theft guide](https://www.bricktaxes.com/blog/irs-scams-phishing-identity-theft-how-to-spot-a-fake-2026-guide-51e18702). If an e-filed return is rejected or your refund is held, our guide to [Tax Topic 151 and refund holds](https://www.bricktaxes.com/blog/tax-topic-151-why-your-refund-is-on-hold-and-how-to-fix-it-f7f41a7d) can help you understand what to check next. If a fraudulent return has already been filed, or the IRS contacts you about a related issue, an authorized tax professional may be able to help you understand the response process. Eligible Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and attorneys have unlimited representation rights before the IRS under Circular 230. [IRS: Tax professional credentials and qualifications](https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications) ## **IRS Identity Protection PIN FAQ** ### Is an IP PIN mandatory? No. Eligible taxpayers may voluntarily enroll, even if they are not required to file a federal return. But if the IRS has assigned you an IP PIN, you must include the correct PIN when filing the applicable federal return. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) ### Does an IP PIN make my refund arrive faster? Not necessarily. The IRS says refund timing depends on the information in your individual return; using an IP PIN does not guarantee a faster refund. [IRS IP PIN FAQs](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin) ### Do I need a new IP PIN every year? Yes. An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and the IRS generates a new one each year. If you enrolled online, retrieve your new PIN through your IRS Online Account. [IRS: Get an IP PIN](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin) ### What if I lose my IP PIN? Retrieve your current PIN through your IRS Online Account. If you cannot access it online, call the IRS IP PIN hotline at **800-908-4490** for specialized assistance. [IRS IP PIN FAQs](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin) ### Does New Jersey have its own IP PIN? The federal IP PIN applies to federal returns, not state returns. Confirm New Jersey return requirements with the [New Jersey Division of Taxation](https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/). [IRS IP PIN FAQs](https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin) ## **Get Help With Your IP PIN** Want an experienced tax preparer near me, or help understanding IRS HELP options, tax preparation New Jersey, IRS tax resolution, or back taxes help? **Brick Taxes** can assist with federal and New Jersey tax preparation and IRS matters. Matthew Jones is a federally licensed Enrolled Agent. Call **732-540-1040** or [schedule a call](https://calendly.com/bricktaxes/resolve). [More than 105 Five-Star Google Reviews & Counting](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Brick+Taxes+LLC+88+Queen+Ann+Rd+Brick+NJ) **Conclusion:** If you plan to file early in 2027, request your IRS identity protection PIN before the online tool's mid-November maintenance. An IP PIN New Jersey taxpayers obtain through the IRS helps protect a federal return, but it is not a substitute for broader identity safeguards or checking state filing procedures. [IRS: IR-2026-127](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminder-take-steps-now-to-protect-tax-information) Brick Taxes provides tax preparation and tax representation services, not financial consulting, and this article is not financial or investment advice. Consult your own financial advisor for financial or investment questions; Brick Taxes has no referral arrangement with financial advisors. **Brick Taxes** | **732-540-1040** | [Schedule a call](https://calendly.com/bricktaxes/resolve)