Scammers file first — Get your IRS Identity Protection PIN now

The IRS has relaunched its Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program and urges all U.S. taxpayers to enroll to prevent tax-related identity theft and fraudulent returns, with 2025 IP PINs now available via IRS accounts; enrollment can be completed online through ID.me, by submitting Form 15227, or via a Taxpayer Assistance Center, with continuous enrollment recommended. The guidance stresses safeguarding IRS account credentials (noting infostealer risks), the heightened importance due to widespread SSN exposure from the National Public Data breach, and cites the IRS Taxpayer Protection Program flagging 2.8 million suspicious returns, encouraging early enrollment and keeping the IP PIN private.