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CP01A notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP01A notice? Here is what it means, your deadline, what to check before you answer, and how to reply. Check your own letter free: it stays on your phone.
Check my CP01A notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
This notice tells you about the identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) we sent you.
Each year, we issue CP01A notices that have a unique 6-digit IP PIN with instructions on how to use it.
Recipients of Notice CP01A don't need to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF , unless you as a recipient experience an identity theft incident after you received a notice CP01A.
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What you need to do
When filing Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040-SS, you must enter your 6-digit IP PIN in the correct place on your federal tax return.
Electronic returns
- Every taxpayer who receives an IP PIN must enter it on the return. This includes the primary taxpayer, spouse, and dependent.
- If only one taxpayer receives an IP PIN, enter it with that taxpayer's Social Security number (SSN).
- If both taxpayers receive an IP PIN, both taxpayers must enter the IP PIN with their SSNs.
- If your dependent received an IP PIN, you must include his or her IP PIN on your federal tax return as well as Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses PDF , and Schedule EIC, Earned Income Credit PDF .
Paper returns
- The primary taxpayer or secondary (spousal) taxpayer who receives an IP PIN must enter it on the return.
- Enter the IP PIN for the first taxpayer listed on the tax return in the box marked "Identity Protection PIN" located to the right of Your signature and occupation .
- Enter the IP PIN for the second taxpayer listed on the tax return in the box marked "Identity Protection PIN" located on the right of Spouse's signature and occupation.
Where can I find more information on the IP PIN?
- Visit Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN) .
- Review the IP PIN FAQs page.
Helpful information
Important things to remember about your IP PIN
- Protect your IP PIN. Do not reveal your IP PIN to anyone other than your tax preparer. You must use your IP PIN on your current or prior years Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR or 1040-SS returns you file in the calendar year or: We'll reject electronically filed returns.
- The processing time may increase for paper returns, which would delay any refund due to you.
- Your IP PIN is valid only for federal income tax returns. If your state issues similar PINs, use only those PINs for state income tax returns. These PINs are different.
- We'll send you a CP01A notice with a new IP PIN each December/January by postal mail.
- Store the CP01A notice securely with your tax records.
- Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers PDF
- Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers PDF
Your deadline
Answer by the date printed on your notice. If there is no date, answer as soon as you can, and call the number on the notice if you need more time.
What to check before you answer
Is this letter really from the IRS?
The IRS writes first by mail. A real letter shows a notice or letter number, your name and part of your tax ID number. The IRS does not ask for payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer. If in doubt, sign in to your IRS online account, where many notices are listed.
Get my response letter for CP01A notice