08/13/2025

Security Summit: Protect against tax identity theft with multi-factor IDs, Identity Protection PINs, IRS Online Accounts

IRS

WASHINGTON — In the fourth installment of a special summer series, the Security Summit partners today remind tax professionals and taxpayers about the IRS Identity Protection PIN and the IRS Online Accounts that can help protect against tax-related identity theft. The IRS and Security Summit also remind tax professionals that using multi-factor authentication is a best practice and a federal requirement to protect clients’ sensitive information.

The IRS Identity Protection PINs, also referred to as IP PINs, are a critical defense tool against identity thieves. The IRS encourages all tax pros and taxpayers to establish an IRS Online Account that allows secure access to IRS account information online. This account also guards against fraudsters from attempting to create accounts on their behalf.

What tax pros should know about MFA

A key part of tax professional security now focuses on MFA, which strengthens account security by requiring more than just a username and password to confirm an identity when accessing any system, application or device. Key points include:

• All tax professionals are required to use MFA to protect clients’ sensitive information under the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) safeguards rule.