As noted previously, I've used the online version of TT for 12 years. I have 12 years worth of PDFs and have never seen the PIN printed on the instructions page or anywhere else. It is, however, associated with my online account but as you've taken great delight in pointing out, I didn't use that nor did I import it prior to starting with the cursed CD version.
I did try editing the CD return to remove the PIN and and it will not allow me to do so. I also tried replacing the PIN with my 2018 AGI and it will not accept that either. I gave up on the free e-filing and simply printed out the stupid paper. This is one of the ONLY things I have ever used paper for and it is definitely NOT encouraging me to recommend TT (any version) to anyone. My friends really like H&R Block's online tools. I'll probably switch to that next year, since I am no longer exploiting the 12 year investment of time and history with TT after this debacle.
