IRS Identity Protection PIN letters have an incorrect year listed

January 6, 2016

The IRS has issued the following communication and has asked us to share it with our followers.

Due to an error, taxpayers are receiving Identity Protection PIN letters with an incorrect year listed. Taxpayers and tax professionals should be advised the IP PIN listed on the CP 01A 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 CP 01A 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.

The IRS apologizes for the confusion and any inconvenience

FAQ:

When were the CP01A notices mailed?

The notices are all dated January 4, 2016 but were mailed in late December. Taxpayers are receiving these now through mid-January.

What does an IP PIN do?

An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return. When you have an IP PIN, it prevents someone else from filing a tax return with your SSN.
If a return is e-filed with your SSN and an incorrect or missing IP PIN, our system will reject it until you submit it with the correct IP PIN or you file on paper. If the same conditions occur on a paper filed return, we will delay its processing and any refund you may be due for your protection while we determine if it’s yours.

Does this issue affect anything else involving the IP PIN process?

No.

Please feel free to contact Tax On Wheels, LLC at 803 732-4288 if you have questions or need assistance with any tax related matter.