Taxpayers who plan to file early have just one more day to set up an extra layer of security that could save them time and avoid hassles next year.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Thursday reminded taxpayers that the system used to request an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) will be offline for scheduled maintenance from Saturday until early January 2025. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that protects taxpayers from having someone else file a federal tax return using their Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. 

IRS To Start Accepting Electronic Second Dependent Claims

Starting in 2025, the IRS will accept electronically filed tax returns from individuals claiming dependents who already have been claimed on another taxpayer’s return, as long as the second filer has an IP PIN. That could make the filing process much easier for the tens of millions of Americans a year who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit.

In previous years, the second filer’s return would need to be submitted to the IRS by paper. This year, taxpayers without an IP PIN who e-file and claim a dependent who already has been claimed by another taxpayer will have their return rejected, delaying any refund to which they may be entitled. 

Those who plan to file their taxes later in the season could wait until the IP PIN system is back online and still avoid delays. The IRS says IP PINs take about four to six weeks to receive. Still, there are plenty of good reasons to file early, including getting a refund faster. The IRS often kicks off the tax season by accepting tax returns in January.