IRS sends out erroneous letters

It was announced this week that letters were sent out giving taxpayers an identity theft pin number for filing their 2015 tax returns.

Unfortunately, they did not do enough proofreading and the letters say that the pins are supposed to be used for filing the 2014 tax returns which have come and gone, rather than saying they are supposed to be used for the 2015 tax returns. Please be advised that this is a typo and these pin numbers can be used when you electronically file your 2015 tax return in the next several months.

“Due to an error, taxpayers are receiving Identity Protection PIN letters with an incorrect year listed,” the IRS said in a statement. “Taxpayers and tax professionals should be advised the IP PIN listed on the CP 01A Notice dated January 4, 2016 is valid for use on all individual tax returns filed in 2016. The notice incorrectly indicates the IP PIN issued is to be used for filing the 2014 tax return when the number is actually to be used for the 2015 tax return. The IRS emphasizes the IP PIN listed on the CP 01A notice is valid for the 2015 returns. Taxpayers and their tax professionals should use this PIN number for 2015 tax returns, which the IRS will begin accepting from taxpayers starting Jan. 19, 2016. The IRS apologizes for the confusion and any inconvenience.”