If you have been a victim of identity theft you may receive an identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) from the IRS to use to file your personal return. The IRS will send you the number by a written notice, CP01A.
The notices for the current year have been going out since January 4th and will continue to be sent over the next few weeks. However, due to an IRS error, taxpayers are receiving Identity Protection PIN letters with an incorrect year listed. However, the IP PIN listed on the CP01A Notice dated January 4, 2016 is valid for use on all individual tax returns filed in 2016.
The notice incorrectly indicates the IP PIN issued is to be used for filing the 2014 tax return when the number is actually to be used for the 2015 tax return. The IRS emphasizes the IP PIN listed on the CP01A notice is valid for the 2015 returns. Taxpayers and their tax professionals should use this PIN number for 2015 tax returns, which the IRS will begin accepting from taxpayers starting Jan. 19, 2016.
If you receive this form please be sure to send it along with the rest of your tax information. If you have any questions please do not hesistate to call the office.