WI Identity Protection PIN

1. ​What is the Identity Protection PIN?


2. How do I sign up?


3. How do I cancel my PIN?


4. Who is eligible for a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN?


5. What if I lost my Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN?


6. How do I use my Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN?


7. When does my Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN expire?


8. Is there a deadline to request a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN for the current year?


9. What should I do if I was issued a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN but did not request it?

1. What is the Identity Protection PIN?

   The Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN is a number the Wisconsin Department of Revenue issues for you to list on your Wisconsin individual income tax returns and homestead credit claims. The purpose of the PIN is to prevent unauthorized persons from filing a return using your information. Participation in the Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN program is voluntary.

2. How do I sign up?

   Follow these steps to sign up for a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN:

   • Log in to My Tax Account (MTA) at https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/mta/
     1. If you do not have MTA or do not have access to your individual income tax or homestead credit account in MTA, see Using My Tax Account for Personal Use common questions for assistance with creating your MTA and adding access to your personal accounts
   • Select the "View Periods" link for the individual income tax or homestead credit account
   • Select the "Request Identity Protection PIN" link
   
   
3. How do I cancel my PIN?

   To cancel your Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN for future years, follow these steps:

   • Log in to My Tax Account at https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/mta/
   • Select the "View Periods" link for the individual income tax or homestead credit account
   • Select the "Cancel Identity Protection PIN" link
     
     

   Your PIN cancellation will be effective beginning January 1 of the next calendar year. You cannot cancel your PIN for the current year and must enter it on any return you file until the cancellation becomes effective.

   If you misplaced your PIN, see question 4 below for instructions.

4. Who is eligible for a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN?

   The Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN is available to any Wisconsin individual income tax or homestead credit customer who has filed a Wisconsin return or homestead claim within the last three years. A Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN may not be requested for a dependent who is not filing their own tax return.

5. What if I lost my Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN?
   • Log in to My Tax Account at https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/mta/
   • Select "View Mail" in the individual income tax or homestead credit panel
   • Select "View Messages"
   • Open the message with subject line "Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN Registration" to view your PIN
   • If you are unable to find your message, select the "View Periods" link for the individual income tax or homestead credit account and select "Resend Wisconsin IP PIN"
   
   
6. How do I use my Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN?

   The Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN is different from the IRS’s Identity Protection (IP) PIN and cannot be used on your federal return.

   The Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN should be included in the space provided on the signature line on your 2021 and later Wisconsin individual income tax return or separate Wisconsin homestead credit claim form. If a married couple is filing a joint return, each spouse may request a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN. If both spouses request a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN, both PINs must be entered on the individual income tax or homestead credit claim form.

   If you requested a PIN and do not include the PIN on your Wisconsin return, your return may be rejected, and your refund may be delayed.

   Your PIN is calendar year-specific and applies to any 2021 and later Wisconsin individual income tax returns and homestead credit claims filed during the calendar year. Examples:

   • You sign up for a PIN in 2023. During 2023, you file a 2022 return, a late 2021 return, and a late 2020 return. Use the PIN on only your 2021 and 2022 returns.
   • You sign up for a PIN in 2024. During 2024, you file a 2023 return, a late 2022 return, and a 2021 homestead credit claim. Use the PIN on all three returns.
     
     
7. When does my Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN expire?

   Your Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN expires annually on December 31, and a new PIN will be automatically assigned to you for the coming year. You will receive an email notice regarding your new PIN with instructions on retrieving it through My Tax Account.

   Important: Once in the Identity Protection PIN program, you must use your assigned PIN on all returns (2021 and forward). See question 2 above if you want to cancel your PIN.

8. Is there a deadline to request a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN for the current year?

   Yes, you must request your Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN by December 15 of the current year to receive a PIN for the current year. If you request a PIN between December 16 and December 31, we will issue you a PIN for the upcoming year, not the current year.

9. What should I do if I was issued a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN but did not request it?

   Contact us at (608) 266-2772 or DORIncome@wisconsin.gov. Our call center is open Monday – Friday from 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

March 6​​, 2023