Identity Verification Common Questions

General Information

  • Why do I need to take a quiz to verify my identity?

    We want to protect you and your identity. Our analytics indicate the possibility of identity fraud and we want to make sure it's you that filed the return and/or homestead credit claim. This multiple-choice quiz asks four questions only you should know.

  • How do I take the quiz?

    Click the "Take the Identity Quiz" button on the Identity Verification page to take the quiz online. If you can't take the quiz online, call Customer Service at (608) 264-4598 and a representative will assist you. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • What information will I need to take the quiz?

    You should have:

  • We filed our tax return jointly - who should take the quiz?

    The person the letter is addressed to must follow the directions in the letter to take the quiz.

  • What happens if I fail the quiz?

    You are allowed to take the quiz two times. If you fail the quiz both times or do not take it by the due date, you must submit documents to confirm your identity. Please follow the instructions included with your letter about the two forms of identity you must submit.

  • Can I take the quiz even though I haven't received an ID verification letter?

    No. Only taxpayers who receive a letter will be allowed to take the identity quiz.

  • Why do I need to enter a PIN to verify my identity?

    We want to protect you and your identity. Our analytics indicate the possibility of identity fraud and we want to make sure it's you that filed the return. This unique number is used solely to verify your identity so someone else cannot use your identity to file a false tax return or homestead credit claim to get a refund.

  • How do I enter the PIN?

    Click the Enter your DOR PIN button to verify your identity online. You can also call customer service at (608) 264-4598 and a representative will assist you. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • What information will I need to verify the PIN?

    You should have:

    • Letter ID from your identity verification letter
    • Last four numbers of your social security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN)
    • Wisconsin refund amount for the Tax Year on your letter

  • We filed our tax return jointly - who should enter the PIN?

    The person the letter is addressed to should be the one to follow the direction in the letter to verify the PIN.

  • Do I need to keep the PIN?

    No. Once you complete the PIN process, you can destroy it. It is only used once to verify you were the one who filed the tax return or homestead credit claim we received.

  • What happens if I don't verify my identity using the PIN by the due date?

    You must submit documents to confirm your identity. Please follow the instructions included with your letter about the two forms of identity you must submit.

Applicable Laws and Rules

This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of October 11, 2023: secs. 71.88 and 73.03, Wis. Stats.​, and sec. Tax 2.12, Wis. Adm. Code.​

Laws enacted and in effect after this date, new administrative rules, and court decisions may change the interpretations in this document. Guidance issued prior to this date, that is contrary to the information in this document is superseded by this document, according to sec. 73.16(2)(a), Wis. Stats.

Contact Us​

MS 5-77
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Customer Service Bureau
PO Box 8949
Madison, WI 53708-8949
Phone: (608) 266-2772
Fax: (608) 267-1030
Email:DORIncome@wisconsin.gov


The department welcomes your input on our guidance. Submit comments on this guidance document.

Guidance Document Number: 100062

October 11, 2023