The IRS and its Security Summit partners just released IR-2025-83 (Aug. 12, 2025), spotlighting Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs), IRS Online Accounts, and mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) for tax professionals. Here’s what changed, what didn’t, and how to protect your refund fast.
1) Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN): Your 6-digit shield
An IP PIN is a six-digit number the IRS uses to confirm it’s really you filing a tax return. When you include it, identity thieves can’t e-file a return using your SSN/ITIN without that code.
Key facts
- Six digits; known only to you and the IRS.
- Voluntary opt-in (strongly encouraged) for most taxpayers.
- New code every calendar year — you’ll retrieve a fresh one annually.
- Never share your IP PIN with anyone except the IRS and your trusted tax pro.
- Victims of identity theft continue to receive IP PINs automatically each year.
How to get your IP PIN (fast)
- Create or sign in to your IRS Online Account.
- Open Profile → select Get an IP PIN.
- Complete identity verification; your IP PIN appears right away.
Tip: If you opt in online, the IRS won’t mail you a CP01A each year — retrieve your new IP PIN online every January.
2) IRS Online Account: Control, transparency & less paperwork
The IRS Online Account is your secure dashboard to see balances, make or schedule payments, set up payment plans, access transcripts, go paperless for certain notices, and approve authorizations from your tax professional.
What you can do today
- View your balance by tax year and payment history.
- Make same-day payments or create a payment plan.
- Download transcripts and view selected IRS notices.
- Approve and e-sign POA/TIA requests from your tax pro.
- Request and retrieve your IP PIN from your Profile.
Sharing safely with your preparer
Using the Online Account’s authorization features, you can let a tax pro view necessary records or act on your behalf — without emailing sensitive PDFs.
3) For Tax Pros: MFA is required — here’s the playbook
Under the FTC Safeguards Rule, all tax professionals must use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect client data. The IRS urges implementation across software, portals, storage, and networks.
MFA best practices
- Enable MFA at every access point (tax software, portals, cloud drives).
- Offer multiple factor types: something you know (password), have (token/app code), or are (biometric).
- Review methods and standards regularly; watch for phishing and social-engineering vectors.
- Never share usernames or tokens; rotate credentials and enforce strong passkeys.
Tax Pro Account essentials
- Request POA (Form 2848) or TIA (Form 8821) directly to a client’s Online Account.
- Manage active client authorizations; withdraw when engagements end.
- Newer capabilities include viewing/creating payment plans for individual clients (availability may vary by day/time).
4) Other August 2025 IRS updates taxpayers should know
| Update | What it means | Effective window |
|---|---|---|
| No changes to 2025 withholding tables & common payroll forms under OBBBA | W-2, 1099 series and Form 941 remain unchanged for TY 2025; employers keep using current reporting/withholding procedures. | Tax Year 2025 |
| Student loan help via Educational Assistance Programs | Employers can contribute up to $5,250 per employee, tax-free to the worker, toward student loan repayment when offered under Sec. 127 plans. | Through Dec. 31, 2025 |
| Nationwide Tax Forums (for pros) | Security & identity-theft prevention are key themes at remaining 2025 forums in Orlando, Baltimore, and San Diego. | Aug. 26–28; Sept. 9–11; Sept. 16–18, 2025 |
Note: Direct File and other IRS digital services may have maintenance windows posted on IRS.gov. Check service banners if you can’t sign in.
5) Action checklist (5 minutes)
- Get an IP PIN via your Online Account (Profile → Get an IP PIN).
- Turn on account alerts and go paperless for eligible notices.
- Link your tax pro: approve POA/TIA requests inside your Online Account.
- Employers: confirm your payroll software is using 2025 tables and unchanged forms; consider offering student-loan help under your educational assistance plan.
- Tax pros: enforce MFA everywhere; audit cloud storage and tax apps for MFA and access logs.
6) Fast FAQs
Will the IRS mail my IP PIN each year?
If you opted in online, retrieve your new IP PIN in January from your Online Account; CP01A letters aren’t mailed for online opt-ins.
Can my preparer get my IP PIN for me?
No. You (or your dependent’s parent/guardian) must request it. Preparers cannot obtain IP PINs on behalf of clients.
What if my dependent needs an IP PIN?
Dependents can get IP PINs if they pass identity verification. Minor dependent IP PINs can’t be retrieved online; use the IRS phone option on the IP PIN page.
