@ jcooper wrote:
My problem is a little more complex. I lost my 2018 return with the Pin and AGI due to a computer hack, so filed by mail in 2019. thus the 5 digit pin is missing on the 2019 return. So I was hopiing that by registering with IRS online I could reset it, but can't see a way to do it.
You won't be able to use a 5-digit Prior-Year PIN (aka Prior-year Self-Select PIN) because you mailed your 2019 return. You'll need to verify your 2020 efile with the 2019 AGI.
Did you already try to efile by using the 2019 AGI, and did it reject?
- Use the 2019 AGI from the original 2019 return, not an amended one.
- If your 2019 return was filed real late in the year, such as mid-November 2020 or later, you can try a 2019 AGI of 0 (zero).
- Or if your mailed 2019 paper return was hung up in processing for several months at the IRS due to the Pandemic, the IRS may not yet have your 2019 AGI in their database. In which case, you can try a 2019 AGI of 0.
- If it's a joint return, both spouses use the same total 2019 AGI. Do not divide or otherwise allocate it.
The program should also ask you to choose a 5-digit Self-Select PIN (the screen will say 5 digits of your choosing.) It will be on a screen (possibly titled Signature ID) where it also asks you to enter today's date and your birth date. Those 3 items and the 2019 AGI entered on a separate screen are how you electronically sign your 2020 return when efiling. The Self-Select PIN you choose this year can be used again next year.
