topic Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN? in After you file

Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

Helloguys — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:23:33 GMT

It looks like there are two different type of PINs when e-filing a tax return. I'd like to get some clarifications.

Self Select PIN - https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/self-select-pin-method-for-forms-1040-and-4868-modernized-e-file-mef
IP PIN (Identify Protection PIN) -https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/retrieve-your-ip-pin

When e-filing with TurboTax (desktop version), which one I shall use? I'm a fist time filer. I got the rejection message "IND-031-04 - The primary taxpayer's AGI or Self-select PIN from last year does not match IRS records". I e-filed again with AGI=0. Still got rejected for the same reason.

I don't have Self-select PIN from last year. According to https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/self-select-pin-method-for-forms-1040-and-4868-modernized-e-file-mef#PIN5, I should enter AGI 0 and leave the PIN blank. But TurboTax won't allow me file if the PIN is blank. How can I work around that?

If there is no way to work around the TurboTax software, I can only file the return by mail. But how can I e-file next year if I don't specify a Self-select PIN this year? Is there a way to specify that on paper? If yes, which form?

According to IRS, e-filer may also use IP PIN. Actually, if IRS assigned you an IP PIN, you'd have to use that. According to the link the 2nd bullet point above:

If you file your return without your IRS assigned IP PIN:

We’ll reject your electronic return, and you won't be able to e-file
We’ll subject your paper return to additional screenings to validate your identity, delaying any refund you may be due

What would be the easiest way to do e-filing? I don't want to apply for IP PIN if I don't have to. But how can I work around the Self-select PIN chick-and-egg problem? Thanks!

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

MonikaK1 — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:13:36 GMT

The Self-Select PIN and the IP PIN are two different things, as you surmised. The Self-Select PIN acts as a kind of electronic signature when you file your return online using software such as TurboTax. The IP PIN is a number the IRS issues to taxpayers who have reported identity theft or who wish to use this special PIN to better protect their identity.

If you forgot last year's Self-Select signature ID, you'll need to provide your 2021 adjusted gross income (AGI) for verification purposes. See this help article for information on how to obtain your 2021 AGI.

See this help article for more information about the Self-Select signature ID.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

Helloguys — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:17:26 GMT

Per IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/self-select-pin-method-for-forms-1040-and-4868-modernized-e-file-mef#PIN5, I need to leave my PIN blank if I am a first time filer. How can I do that in TurboTax? TurboTax won't allow me to continue if the PIN is blank. Thanks!

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

MonikaK1 — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:43:12 GMT

From the information in your previous post, I had understood that you were filing in TurboTax for the first time, but that you filed using another method in the past, since you got the rejection message "IND-031-04 - The primary taxpayer's AGI or Self-select PIN from last year does not match IRS records".

If you don't have the PIN you used last year to file a return, then you need to obtain your AGI from last year's return as per my previous response.

See the comments in this thread for more examples.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

Helloguys — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:44:51 GMT

No. I never, ever filed any tax before. This is the first time in my life.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

Critter-3 — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:49:46 GMT

If this is your first time filing AND the zero AGI trick did not work then your only option is to mail in the return this year.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

fanfare — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:50:09 GMT

If you select to file with the Mail-In Option (US MAIL)

TurboTax should skip all this rigamarole.

start again at the FILE tab.

As I said before, IRS will record the AGI on your 2022 tax return.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

Boombaby99 — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:38:31 GMT

My husband and I both have IP pins. TurboTax never asked for the prior year's AGI and it auto generated a self select Pin for each of us. Our return was accepted. Is this because we both had IRS issued IP pins?

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

fanfare — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:46:01 GMT

IRS requires that you enter either the AGI or the self-select PIN from last year.

as far as I can tell TurboTax does not support the prior year self-select PIN.

TurboTax may be entering your AGI from last year's filing if you used the program last year.

If IRS assigned an IP PIN, that must also be entered.

@Boombaby99

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

Boombaby99 — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:20:01 GMT

@fanfare I found the answer on the IRS website. The IP PIN acts as the identifier instead of last year's AGI or previous year's self select PIN. You must always use the IP PIN, but you can change the self select pin and don't need to enter the previous AGI.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

fanfare — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:48:08 GMT

@Boombaby99

Thanks.

I think that is a new simplified procedure with IP PIN.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

rayj212 — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:02:30 GMT

My wife has a IP Pin but it keeps rejecting the return due to her last year AGI or self select line being incorrect. I thought the IP Pin would be the only verification needed so why is it being removed due to last year's AGI or self select pin?

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

MarilynG1 — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:32:09 GMT

No, the IRS needs both the IP PIN and your last year AGI for Efiling. You don't need to enter a Self Select PIN.

Here's How to Add or Remove an IP PIN and How to Find Last Year's AGI.

If you're using TurboTax Online, close the program, clear Cache and Cookies, then return to FILE.

@rayj212

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

Boombaby99 — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:43:35 GMT

I did not have to enter my previous year AGI and the IRS already accepted my return. The only thing I can think is that TurboTax or my computer saved my self select pin from last year because I didn't enter that either. There was already a pin there. The IRS website, as highlighted above, says you shouldn't need your previous year's AGI or self select pin as an identifier. Maybe because this is a new thing, the system is glitching?

@MarilynG1

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

Boombaby99 — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:43:12 GMT

I'm not sure, but I didn't have to enter in my previous year's AGI and the IRS website says you shouldn't have to. But since it seems to be glitching, I would just look at your return from last year and enter in last year's AGI. Also double check that the IP Pin is correct.

@rayj212

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

fanfare — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 06:52:19 GMT

"No, the IRS needs both the IP PIN and your last year AGI for Efiling. You don't need to enter a Self Select PIN."

that's not what the IRS text says and it contradicts what other users have reported.

IP PIN is now sufficient to e-File . Turbotax supports this, according to the forum, but other tax sofware may not.

@MarilynG1

Otherwise, if TurboTax still needs "both the IP PIN and your last year AGI for Efiling" then the software needs updating. As far as I can tell, TurboTax has never supported last year's self-select PIN alone instead of last year's AGI, as other tax software will.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

rayj212 — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 13:40:06 GMT

That's what's so frustrating. I'm using the correct IP Pin and correct AGI and it's still getting rejected. It seems like there is a glitch in the program so now they are saying I have to mail in my return.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

DoninGA — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 13:48:00 GMT

@rayj212 wrote:

That's what's so frustrating. I'm using the correct IP Pin and correct AGI and it's still getting rejected. It seems like there is a glitch in the program so now they are saying I have to mail in my return.

If you entered the 6 digit IP PIN and the 2023 AGI and your tax return is being rejected by the IRS, then there is a good possibility that the IRS does not have your 2023 AGI in their database.

Try entering a 0 (zero) for the 2023 AGI and e-file the 2024 tax return again.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

rayj212 — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 14:03:19 GMT

I've tried that, and they do have the correct AGI as we've checked the IRS transcript for last year.

Re: Self Select PIN vs. IP PIN?

DoninGA — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 14:17:49 GMT

@rayj212 wrote:

I've tried that, and they do have the correct AGI as we've checked the IRS transcript for last year.

Then you will have to print, sign, date and mail the federal tax return to the IRS.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for how to print a tax return for mailing when using the online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/printers-printing/print-mail-return-turbotax-online/L5bwuqXGy_US_en_US?uid=m76a5ke4

Make sure you include a copy of all forms W-2 and 1099 which have taxes withheld with the tax return.

Go to this IRS website for the mailing address of a federal tax return, by state, with and without a tax payment - https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment