1. From within your TaxACT return (Online or Desktop), click on the Federal Q&A tab
2. Click Miscellaneous Topics to expand the category and then click Identity Protection PIN
3. Enter the 6-digit PIN next to the applicable taxpayer listed on the return*

*Note, each spouse on a married filing joint return will have his or her own IP PIN. If only one spouse received an IP PIN, that PIN would need to be entered in the field for that particular spouse.

The Identity Protection PIN will appear on the printed copy of your return. The PIN is automatically transmitted to the IRS with an electronically filed return.

Additional Information

If you believe you may be at risk for tax related identity theft, fill out IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit and either fax or mail it to the IRS so they can mark your account to identify any questionable activity (the fax number and mailing address are provided on the form).

Form 14039 is now available in the TaxACT program. To access the form in the Online program, click on Forms & Topics and browse for the form under Federal Forms and Schedules. To access the form in the Desktop program, click on the Forms button in the top left corner and browse for the form under Federal Forms and Schedules.

Read IRS Publication 4535 Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance to determine how to minimize the risk of having your identity stolen. You will also find information on the steps you need to take in case you believe you have become a victim of identity theft.

Related Links:

• Identity Theft
• Identity Theft and Your Tax Records
• Department of Treasury's Identity Theft Resource Page 
• Federal Trade Commission Protecting America's Consumers Website
• IdentityTheft.gov