(Radio Iowa) – The Internal Revenue Service is encouraging Iowans to take a simple, important step to prepare for the upcoming tax season. I-R-S spokesman Christopher Miller says people should sign up now for what’s known as an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number, or an I-P PIN.

Miller says it’s a quick, free process to set one up.

He recommends you sign up for the PIN before November 23rd, as sign up won’t be available again until early January.

Learn more about the option at irs-dot-gov.