E-file reject IND-996: The Dependent/Qualifying Person Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) provided on the return is not valid
If a dependent or qualifying person listed on your return has ever received an IP PIN, a CP01A notice, or opted into the IRS's IP PIN pilot program, that person's special 6-digit IP PIN needs to be on the return to validate their identity for e-filing.
An IP PIN and a Self-Select PIN are two different things.
An IP PIN is a 6-digit number that the IRS gives taxpayers who were victims of tax-related identity theft.
A Self-Select PIN is a random 5-digit number that you enter as your electronic signature when e-filing your return.
Find your dependent or qualifying person's 6-digit IP PIN
Look at the CP01A letter they received in December or January for their 2025 taxes. IP PINs from prior tax years won't work.
If they lost or never got a CP01A letter, retrieve their IP PIN online on the IRS Retrieve your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) page.
If unable to retrieve their IP PIN online, you can have it reissued (allow up to 21 days).
Once you have the PIN
On the Did you or your spouse get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS for this year's taxes? screen, select Yes.
On the Review your Identity Protection PIN info screen, select the pen icon (Edit) next to the spouse's name.
On the Tell us spouse's Identity Protection PIN screen, enter or correct the IP PIN and select Continue.
On the Review your Identity Protection PIN info screen, select Done.
Select File in the menu.
On the Welcome back screen, select Continue.
Don't select Fix my return.
Select Start next to Step 3 to refile your return.
If you're using TurboTax Live Full Service, read this help article.
