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IRS Notice CP01A: Your Identity Protection PIN

IRS Notice CP01A is an identity verification letter from the IRS. The IRS sent you a six-digit Identity Protection PIN to use on your federal return. A new one comes each year. This is not a bill. It is about confirming that you are the person who filed the return.

What this letter usually means

The IRS sent you a six-digit Identity Protection PIN to use on your federal return. A new one comes each year. This is not a bill. Until you verify, the IRS usually holds the return. Use only the steps on your letter or on irs.gov.

Category: Verify your identity

What people usually do first

Read each page and look for a printed date. Then compare what the letter says with your own records.

What to have ready

What may come next

This letter does not point to a specific follow-up letter. Any later step will be described in mail from the IRS.

Read the IRS page

The IRS letter itself is the final word on what it means for you. Read the IRS page for CP01A.

Common questions about CP01A

What is IRS notice CP01A?

The IRS sent you a six-digit Identity Protection PIN to use on your federal return. A new one comes each year. This is not a bill.

How long do I have to respond to a CP01A notice?

The date to respond or pay by, if there is one, is printed on your letter. Check it, and read the IRS page for CP01A for more.

Is a CP01A notice a scam?

A real CP01A comes by mail and should match your own records. You can also sign in to your IRS Online Account on irs.gov to see your account directly.

What should I have ready for a CP01A notice?

The letter, every page, A safe place to keep the number, not email.

The OweRight app can tell you what a CP01A letter is and points you to the IRS page for it.

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OweRight is not the IRS and does not give tax or legal advice.

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