IRS to Implement Collins’ Bill to Help Prevent Con Artists from Stealing Tax Refunds

Washington, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this week that, starting in January, the Identity Protection (IP) PIN program will now be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identities.  This expansion was prompted by the Taxpayer Identity Protection Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Doug Jones (D-AL) to thwart identity theft tax refund fraud and prevent American taxpayers and seniors from falling victim.  This legislation was signed into law last year as a provision in the Taxpayer First Act.

“Each year, tens of thousands of Americans are victims of tax refund fraud, and seniors are particularly vulnerable,” said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee.  “Having an IP PIN has proven to protect against identity theft.  This expansion by the IRS is an encouraging, concrete step to help protect taxpayers from being ripped off by criminals and ensure that they receive the refunds to which they are entitled.”

The IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.  An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer's identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return. 

Taxpayers who obtain an IP PIN should never share their code with anyone but their trusted tax provider.  The IRS will never call to request the taxpayer's IP PIN, and taxpayers must be alert to potential IP PIN scams.

Click here for more information on the IP PIN program: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/national-tax-security-awareness-week-day-3-irs-expands-identity-protection-pin-opt-in-program-to-taxpayers-nationwide