5 digit efile pin

[Kracks]

Used turbotax last year for my parents and did not note the pin because you reset it every year.  Both died this year and trying to efile their return but I can't get past the pin number.  Is it correct that NOW you have to use the same number as last year or mail a return?  I entered their correct AGI.....surely I can reset that somehow.  Can't find any current answers.  Past discussions note the number is changed by the user every year.

[DianeW777]

No, that is not correct. You can create a new 5-digit number or reuse the one from the previous year to sign your return electronically. The key requirement is that it must be a 5-digit number, exception is it cannot be all zeros.

• IRS Self Select PIN

There may be a different reason you are being instructed to mail the tax return. 

Enter your parent's state ID if you have it, then file the return if it goes through. If not, you can always try yours. As a last resort, you can always print and mail the tax return.

Be sure to file a Form 1310, if there is a refund on your parent's return.  Can I file Form 1310 in TurboTax?

We are very sorry for the loss of both of your parents.

@Kracks 

[Kracks]

Thank you Diane!  I sincerely appreciate your condolences.

It was a Turbo Tax help agent who told me I have to use last year's pin.

No other issues or errors were found.  I believe there is a flaw in the software because all other identifying information has been entered.  My Dad died on 1/12/25...prior to filing 2024 taxes so he technically did not sign the 2024 joint return.  In the 2025 joint return in the "sign your 2025 return" window his name and birthdate appear along with the blank box for a pin number.  The birthdate is correct, and I entered a pin number I created on the fly which was legit and today's date yet it is a fatal error for e filing.  I believe it is because it pulls his info, not my Mom's (who signed the 2024 return).

Sorry for all of the details but trying to improve the process.  Very upset I bought TurboTax and am told I cannot efile.

[MarilynG1]

If you transferred your parents joint return for 2024 into the 2025 program and reported them both as deceased in 2025, then it should be you (as personal representative) who would sign the 2025 return.  

If this applies, step through the Personal Info section again; there is a place to indicate that you are preparing the return for a deceased person, giving your contact info. Since your dad was alive as of 12/31/2024, they would have both 'signed' the 2024 return. 

Sometimes the IRS flags the SSN of deceased persons, so this may be affecting you.  You may need to mail their 2025 return.

So sorry for your loss. 

@Kracks