IRS Notice CP01A: Identity Protection PIN Assigned

What does an IRS CP01A notice mean?

A CP01A provides you with an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — a six-digit number that you must enter on your federal tax return to confirm your identity. The IP PIN prevents anyone else from filing a return using your Social Security number and is reissued each year.

Why did you receive a CP01A?

You were enrolled in the IP PIN program, either because you were a confirmed identity-theft victim or because you opted in voluntarily for added protection.

How to respond to a CP01A notice

Store the IP PIN securely and enter it exactly when you file your federal return for the year indicated. A new IP PIN is issued annually, so use the most recent one. If you lose it, you can retrieve it through your IRS online account.

What happens if you ignore it?

If you file without the correct IP PIN, the IRS will reject an e-filed return or delay a paper return while it verifies your identity, slowing any refund.

Common resolutions

• Save your IP PIN
• Use it on future returns

Related IRS notices

• CP01B — Identity Theft — Tax Account Not Affected
• CP01C — Incorrect IP PIN Used
• CP01H — Identity Theft — Case Resolved
• LTR5071C — Identity Verification