Form 15227 – Get an IRS IP PIN by Mail or Fax in 2025

I remember coaching a client, a retired teacher, through identity verification. She could not pass the online checks, and every failed attempt raised her blood pressure. We took a breath, filled out Form 15227 together, and the IRS mailed her IP PIN a few weeks later. She filed on time, no drama, and told me she finally slept well. If you are in the same spot, you can do this too.

An Identity Protection PIN is a six digit code that tells the IRS, yes, this return is really from you.

You are on Accountably’s Form 15227 hub because you want clear, practical steps with zero fluff. Below, you will find exactly how the form works, who qualifies in 2025, where to send it, what to expect after you submit, and the small mistakes that cause big delays. I will also show you faster options if you qualify and a simple table to pick the best path.

Note on freshness, all thresholds, addresses, phone numbers, and steps below are verified as of October 31, 2025, from the IRS.

Key Takeaways

• Form 15227 is for taxpayers who want an IP PIN but cannot verify online. The IRS will call you to confirm your identity, then mail the PIN. Typical mail time is about 4 to 6 weeks.
• For 2025, Form 15227 has an AGI ceiling of 84,000 for individuals and 168,000 for married filing jointly, based on your last filed return.
• You can now submit Form 15227 three ways, online through the IRS wizard, by mail to Fresno, CA 93888-0025, or by fax to 855-807-5720. Use one method only.
• If you do verify online, you get your IP PIN immediately and will retrieve it online each year instead of receiving a CP01A letter.
• Each year you must use the current six digit IP PIN on 1040 series returns. A wrong or missing PIN can cause e file rejection or slow paper processing.

What Is IRS Form 15227

Form 15227 is the paper, fax, or online application to get an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number when online verification is not an option. The IP PIN is a unique six digit code that stops thieves from filing a return with your SSN or ITIN.

If you cannot pass online verification today, Form 15227 is the next best path to lock your tax identity.

Once the IRS receives your form, an assistor will call the phone number you list to verify your identity using information from your most recent return. If you pass, the IRS mails your IP PIN and then mails a new PIN each December or January for future seasons, unless you switch to retrieving it online.

Who Should Use Form 15227 In 2025

Use Form 15227 if all of the following fit your situation.

• You do not already have an IP PIN.
• You have a valid SSN or ITIN.
• Your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is at or below 84,000 if single, or 168,000 if married filing jointly.
• You can answer a daytime phone call to complete identity verification. Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time for these calls.

If you can verify online, skip the form and get an IP PIN in minutes through your IRS Online Account. Once you opt in online, the IRS stops mailing CP01A notices. You will sign in each year to retrieve your new code.

Where And How To Submit Form 15227

Option 1, Submit Online, Fastest When Available

The IRS now provides a Form 15227 wizard. You can submit electronically or download the PDF for your records after submission. This option is the cleanest path if you meet the income threshold and want to avoid mail or fax.

• Use the wizard, complete Boxes a through f, submit, then watch for the IRS verification call.
• If you prefer, you can still download the filled PDF for your files.

Option 2, Mail

• Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888-0025.
• If using a private delivery service like UPS or FedEx, use the street address, 3211 S Northpointe Dr., Fresno, CA 93725. Include a clear cover page.

Option 3, Fax

• Toll free fax, 855-807-5720.
• Include a cover sheet labeled Confidential. Send only once, do not also mail.

Allow about 4 to 6 weeks after the verification call for the IP PIN to arrive by mail. If in person authentication is needed instead, a Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment usually results in a PIN mailed within about 3 weeks. Call 844-545-5640 to schedule.

Step By Step, Filling Form 15227 Correctly

• Box a, enter your name exactly as it appears on your last filed federal return. If your first or middle name is too long, initials are acceptable, but the last name must be complete. Keep your return nearby for reference.
• Box b, enter your full mailing address. If you recently moved, consider filing Form 8822 so future IRS mail, including CP01A, reaches you.
• Box c, mark if the person in Box a is a dependent. Parents or legal guardians can apply for a dependent child when eligible.
• Box d, provide the 9 digit SSN or ITIN with no dashes.
• Box e, provide a daytime phone number where you will answer. Calls occur Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. If you want to confirm an IRS caller, you can dial the specialized assistance line at 800-908-4490. Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time.
• Box f, choose English or Spanish for the call, then sign and date.

Pro tip, have your last filed return handy during the call so you can answer account questions quickly.

How The Verification Call Works

After the IRS receives your submission, an assistor will call the number from Box e. Expect standard account questions pulled from your most recent return and basic identity checks. If you miss the call, they will try again, but unanswered or blocked calls are the most common reason cases stall. Keep your phone available during business hours.

If you are ever unsure who is calling, hang up, then call the identity theft assistance line at 800-908-4490 during the same hours to confirm the contact and continue safely.

Once verified, the IRS mails your IP PIN. For most filers using Form 15227, the IRS says to expect the PIN by mail in about 4 to 6 weeks, and it will arrive as a CP01A or similar letter.

What Changes After You Receive Your IP PIN

• You must enter the six digit code on every 1040 series return you file during that calendar year, including late or prior year returns filed now. If the PIN is wrong or missing, e file will reject and paper will slow down.
• A new code is generated each year. CP01A letters are mailed each December or January to those who receive their PIN by mail. If you opt in online, you will retrieve it in your IRS Online Account instead of getting a CP01A.
• Never share your IP PIN except with your trusted preparer at the moment you are ready to file. The IRS will not call, email, or text to ask for it.

2025 Eligibility Details And Important Notes

• Income thresholds for Form 15227, 84,000 individual and 168,000 MFJ, are based on your last filed return’s AGI. If you are over those limits, book an in person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
• Spouses and dependents can also get IP PINs if they pass identity checks. Parents can file Form 15227 for eligible dependents when the child cannot use the online tool.
• If you opt in, you generally cannot opt out later. The IRS notes this on the Form 15227 wizard. Plan accordingly.

Which Path Should You Use

Here is a quick comparison so you can choose the fastest, safest route.

Method	Best For	What You Need	When You Get The PIN	Good To Know
Online, Get an IP PIN	Most taxpayers who can verify identity online	IRS Online Account and ID verification	Immediate	Once you opt in online, you retrieve the PIN in your account each year, no CP01A mailer.
Form 15227, Online Wizard	Taxpayers under the AGI ceiling who cannot verify online	SSN or ITIN, phone, last return info	Mailed after the verification call, usually 4 to 6 weeks	New in 2025, submit electronically or download a PDF copy.
Form 15227, Mail or Fax	Same as above, but prefer paper or fax	Same	Same as above	Mail to Fresno 93888 0025, or fax 855 807 5720. Use a single method.
In Person, TAC Appointment	Over the AGI ceiling or cannot use phone verification	1 photo ID plus a second ID	PIN mailed usually within 3 weeks	Call 844 545 5640 to schedule.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

• Names that do not match the last filed return. Use the exact format from your return.
• Wrong or unreachable phone number. Keep your phone near you 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time.
• Sending both mail and fax. Choose one method only.
• Filing Form 15227 when you already have an IP PIN. If you lost it, retrieve it online instead of applying again.
• Using last year’s IP PIN. Only the current year PIN works for returns filed this calendar year.

Field By Field Help, With Examples

Box a, Name

Enter Last, First, Middle initial. If your legal first name has multiple parts and does not fit, initials are acceptable as long as the last name is complete. Match the name from your last filed return.

Box b, Address

Use your current mailing address. If you moved, file Form 8822 so your CP01A reaches you in December or January without delay. If you must use a private carrier, the Fresno street address is required.

Box c, Dependent

Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of a child when the child’s identity cannot be verified online. Keep the child’s SSN and ID documents handy for questions.

Box d, SSN or ITIN

Enter all 9 digits with no dashes. Check against your last return to avoid transposition errors.

Box e, Phone

Use a number you will answer. If you want to confirm the legitimacy of any call, you can place a separate call to the identity theft assistance line at 800 908 4490 during the same hours.

Box f, Language

Choose English or Spanish for the verification call.

Using Your IP PIN Each Season

Each calendar year, a new six digit PIN is generated. If you receive your PIN by mail, expect a CP01A letter in December or January. If you opted in online, sign in to your IRS Online Account to retrieve the current year PIN before you file. Keep the letter or the screen capture with your records.

• Enter the PIN on any 1040 series return you file during the year, including prior year returns submitted now.
• Share the PIN only with your preparer at signing time. The IRS will not call, email, or text for it. If you get a request, it is a scam.

FAQs

What is Form 15227 used for

Form 15227 lets you request an IP PIN when you cannot verify your identity online and you meet the income ceiling. The IRS calls you, confirms your identity, then mails your PIN, which you must use on your federal return that year.

How long does Form 15227 take

After your verification call, the IRS says the IP PIN usually arrives by mail within about 4 to 6 weeks. If you verify in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, the PIN typically arrives within about 3 weeks.

Is the 2025 AGI limit different from last year

Yes. For 2025, the Form 15227 threshold is 84,000 for individuals and 168,000 for married filing jointly. Always check the current IRS page for the latest numbers before you file.

How do I get an IP PIN for my child

Parents or legal guardians can apply for a dependent if the child cannot use the online tool and qualifies under the income ceiling. Use Form 15227 and be ready to answer identity questions during the call. You can also verify in person at a TAC if needed.

Will I get a CP01A every year

If you receive your IP PIN by mail, yes, the IRS mails a CP01A each December or January with your new code. If you opted in online, you will retrieve the IP PIN in your IRS Online Account instead of receiving a CP01A.

Quick Reference, Addresses, Fax, And Hours

• Mail, Department of the Treasury, IRS, Fresno, CA 93888-0025. Private delivery services, 3211 S Northpointe Dr., Fresno, CA 93725.
• Fax, 855-807-5720, include a Confidential cover sheet. Send once only.
• Identity theft and IP PIN specialized assistance, 800-908-4490, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time. International, 267-941-1000.
• TAC appointments, 844-545-5640.

For CPA, EA, And Firm Teams

If your firm handles dozens of Form 15227 cases at once, standardizing intake, naming for PDFs, and follow up calls will save review time. We have seen teams cut sign off time by keeping last filed returns on screen during the call, documenting call outcomes in the practice management system, and logging CP01A arrival dates to avoid pre filing scrambles. Where it is helpful, Accountably integrates checklists and structured workpapers into your existing tools so partners spend less time chasing PINs and more time advising clients.

Final Checklist Before You Send

• Confirm you meet the 84,000 or 168,000 AGI ceiling from your last filed return.
• Fill Boxes a through f exactly, then sign and date.
• Choose one submission method only, online, mail, or fax.
• Keep your phone nearby 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time for the verification call.
• Watch your mail for CP01A in December or January, unless you opted to retrieve your IP PIN online.

You deserve a calm filing season. Use the path that fits you, secure your IP PIN, and file with confidence.

Notes and sources for accuracy, page dates verified as of October 31, 2025, IP PIN program overview and thresholds, submission methods, addresses, phone hours, CP01A timing, and TAC scheduling.