One of my clients called me last week regarding a notice he received from the Internal Revenue Service with an Identity Protection PIN for year 2014. Since we already filed his tax return for that year my client was very concerned.
This information is to provide you an update in this situation.
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 Jan. 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 began mailing follow-up notices to these taxpayers in mid-January noting that the IP PIN they received is still valid despite the incorrect reference to the year
For more information, see the questions and answers below.
- When were the CP01A notices mailed? A. The notices are all dated Jan. 4, 2016, but were mailed in late December. Taxpayers are receiving these now through mid-January.
- What does an IP PIN do? A. 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? A. No.
If you receive this notice, please call my office to revise your situation
We are here for you!!!
Julio Jiron, CPA
Written by: Julio Jiron, CPA
