If you were a victim of identity theft, you may receive IRS Notice CP01A containing a single-use 6-digit Identity Protection (IP) PIN. If you have misplaced the IRS letter containing your IP PIN, retrieve it from the IRS website. 

You can enter the Identity Protection PIN in the TaxAct® program using the following steps:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Federal in the left column. On smaller devices, click in the upper left-hand corner, then select Federal.
2. Under Federal Quick Q&A Topics, click Miscellaneous Topics to expand the category and then click Identity Protection PIN (scroll down if necessary).
3. Enter the 6-digit PIN next to the applicable taxpayer listed on the return

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 spouse. If your dependent has an IP PIN, you must enter it on your Forms 1040 and 2441, and Schedule EIC.

The IP PIN will appear on the printed copy of your return. The PIN is automatically transmitted to the IRS with an e-filed return.

What to do if you believe you may be at risk for tax-related ID theft:

Fill out IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit and either fax or mail it to the IRS so your account can be monitored for any questionable activity. To complete IRS Form 14039 electronically, visit FTC's IdentityTheft.gov.

How to access Form 14039 in TaxAct:

To access the form in the Online program:

1. From within your TaxAct Online return, click Tools in the right side of the screen.
2. Click View Complete Forms List 
3. Browse for the form under Federal Forms and Schedules.

To access the form in the Desktop program:

1. From within your TaxAct Desktop return, click the Forms button.
2. Browse for the form under Federal Forms and Schedules.

Tips for minimizing identity theft risk:

Read IRS Fact Sheet Identify Theft Information for Taxpayers and Victims. That publication will explain what to do if you think you're 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