As the 2027 filing season approaches, the IRS is reminding taxpayers to protect their tax information against identity theft.

Key steps

• Request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This six-digit number prevents anyone else from filing a federal return with your Social Security number or ITIN. You can get one even if you are not required to file.
• Act before mid-November. The online IP PIN tool goes down for annual maintenance in mid-November and is generally back in mid-January. If you want to file early in 2027, request it now.
• Keep it private. Share your IP PIN only with your trusted tax preparer when it is time to file. The IRS will never call, email, text, or message you on social media asking for it.
• Secure your IRS Online Account. Keep your sign-in information private. The account shows your returns, refund status, payments, and notices.

How we can help: Clients who have an IP PIN should send us the new number each January when it arrives, since it changes every year. Contact Teddy Accounting Services to talk it through.

Source: IRS news release IR-2026-127