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What is an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?

IP PIN

Fraud can happen to anyone.

If your social security number was used fraudulently in the past, the IRS assigns a six-digit PIN to you; the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

Eligibility

In order to receive an IP PIN, you will need to meet the following:

  • You received a CP01A notice which will have it located at the bottom of the first column
  • The IRS sent you a letter inviting you to opt-in for the IP PIN
  • You were a resident of Florida, Georgia or the District of Columbia, Michigan, California, Maryland, Nevada, Delaware, Illinois or Rhode Island last year

Note: Taxpayers who experience identity theft after they receive the CP01A notice will need to file the Identity Theft Affidavit. 

The steps on getting an IP PIN

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The IRS has announced the start of the tax season!

when can you start filing taxes

Last night, the IRS confirmed that January 28, 2019 will be the start of the tax season.

Although live assistance from the IRS number isn’t available, their staff is determined to keep the tax season going. “We are committed to ensuring that taxpayers receive their refunds notwithstanding the government shutdown. I appreciate the hard work of the employees and their commitment to the taxpayers during this period,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said.

Now that you have an idea of when you should have your 2018 tax return prepared by, here’s what you need to know.

Will my refund still be delayed?

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How the government shutdown affects your taxes.

government shutdown

Update: The IRS has announced that the tax season will begin January 28, 2019 to start filing your 2018 tax returns!

Did you try calling the IRS?

Many taxpayers are confused as to how the government shutdown will affect the 2019 tax season. If you pick up the phone and contact the IRS, you’ll receive a short message instead of the typical menu. “Welcome to the IRS. Live telephone assistance is not available at this time. Normal operations will resume as soon as possible,” is what you hear when you call their toll free number.

Overall, this means that all IRS offices are closed because of the government shutdown. Read on to find out what you need to know for this tax season.

First off, what does “government shutdown” mean?

Continue reading “How the government shutdown affects your taxes.”