Identity Theft Confirmed — Protection Added to Your Account

Why you might get this

• You reported that someone may have stolen your identity or misused your tax information, and the IRS verified your claim.
• The IRS placed an identity theft marker (an 'indicator') on your account to watch for and block future fraud.
• Your account now requires an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) when you file future tax returns.

The deadline

This is a confirmation notice, not a bill or a demand for a response. There is no reply deadline. The main ongoing timing to know: you must keep filing your tax returns by their normal due dates, and you'll need your IP PIN each year when you file.

This notice doesn't carry a fixed response deadline, but it still deserves attention — see what to do below.

What to do

1. Keep filing your tax returns by the regular deadline — nothing extra is required to respond to this notice.
2. Use your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — a 6-digit number the IRS assigns you — every time you file a future return.
3. Watch for a new IP PIN from the IRS each year (usually early December), or request one online sooner to get it faster.
4. If you request your IP PIN online, sign in to your IRS account each year to retrieve the new one.
5. Keep an eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and credit report for anything you don't recognize.
6. Consider getting a redacted copy of the fake return filed in your name (you or an authorized person can request it).
7. Review the IRS Identity Theft Central page and IdentityTheft.gov (Federal Trade Commission) for more guidance.

What happens if you ignore it

Nothing bad happens just from receiving this notice — no action is required. But if you file a future return without your IP PIN, the IRS may reject or delay it, so keep your IP PIN handy each year.

For identity theft questions about your account, you can call the IRS at 800-908-4490, or use the number printed on your notice. For other tax account questions, call 800-829-1040. If a dependent's personal information was involved, report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or 877-438-4338. You may also qualify for free help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).

What the CP01 notice means

Good news: the CP01 notice tells you the IRS verified your identity theft claim. In plain terms, the IRS believes someone tried to misuse your tax information, and it has now added a protection marker to your account to help stop future fraud.

You don't need to reply to this notice. Just keep filing your tax returns by their normal due dates. The one thing that changes going forward: you'll use an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — a 6-digit number the IRS assigns you — every time you file. The IRS sends a fresh IP PIN each year, usually in early December, and you can request one online to get it sooner.

This marker stays on your account until you ask the IRS to remove it. It doesn't block you from filing, paying, or getting a refund. If someone tries to file using your taxpayer ID, the IRS should catch it and alert you.

It's smart to keep watching your bank accounts and credit report too, and to visit IdentityTheft.gov for extra guidance.

Want an extra set of eyes? Solace can keep watch on your IRS account so you're not caught off guard.