E-Pin vs. IP Pin and Filing

[Basenji]

Ok, there are 2 issues here with TurboTax. Using TT Premier on Windows (just in case that's needed).

1:    You get to Other Return Info and enter your PIN from 2024. TT displays error indicating you need a 6 digit IRS PIN. Get 6 digit PIN from IRS, enter PIN, TT is happy, on to next section. 

Now at 'File' section. On 'Sign Your Return' page. At Signature area. 3 Lines of data to check or enter:

2025 E-filing PIN; Date of Birth; and Today's Date.

2025 E-filing PIN - displays 2024 5 digit PIN - not 6 digit IRS PIN entered earlier- try to enter IRS PIN and TT errors displaying 'Invalid character or to many characters'.   Now must STOP --> Why is the 2024 PIN being displayed? If I continue to go forward, will TT e-file with wrong PIN? IRS site specifically states to e-file, you need 6 digit PIN. Is the 2024 PIN an internal check for TT and not needed for e-file? Line specifically states 2025 E-filing PIN.  Confusing, yes?

This is yet another perfect example of pure confusion that TurboTax places you in. None of the other answers in E-PIN posts details what is needed or what will happen.  A COMPLETE answer is needed. Not just where to enter IRS PIN. 

2:    Driver's License screen: Why do you need to re-enter this data that you entered for the last 4+ years?

Thanks for your time and responses.

[DianeW777]

Please use the following instruction to enter the IP PIN. It does not change automatically from one year to the next.

A five digit PIN is one you make up to file your return - a zip code works or you can create another 5 digit number.

The drivers license data is a state requirement and not federal. TurboTax must meet e-file requirements for approval to file with both the IRS and the state.

To enter your IP PIN in TurboTax:

1. Sign in to your TurboTax account
2. In the Search bar type IP pin > Select the Jump to... link
3. On the Identity Protection PIN screen, answer Yes
4. Enter all relevant information

If you no longer know your IP PIN:

You can complete the Identity Theft Affidavit to begin the process to find out if a fraudulent return was filed using your name and credentials.

• When to file an Identity Theft Affidavit  - This link also provides the ability to file the affidavit online.

The IP PIN can be retrieved using the link below when you cannot find it:

• Retrieve your IP Pin

Please update with additional details if the answers are not yet covered here.

[Basenji]

Hi DianeW777,

Thank you for your time and reply. 

Unfortunately, the main questions are not answered. Please re-read the post. PINs have been entered. Two different PINs in fact. Why? What PIN is needed to e-file? The 5 digit or the 6 digit PIN? IRS states 6 digit PIN. And you must enter the 6 digit IRS PIN to proceed in the return prior to the File section (if you intend to e-file).

If you live in a state that does not require income tax filing, and TT knows this from the data imported or that you entered at the beginning of the tax return, then WHY does TT even present this section? It should just skip it. You get presented with questionable return issues when actually none exist. TT should not present the DOL page. Hopefully this can be corrected.

Hope to hear back - thank you.

[CatinaT1]

There are 2 different PINs.

One is the 6 digit IP Pin - an Identity Protection Pin issued by the IRS.

Another is a 5 digit pin that is used as a signature. You either use the 5 digit pin you used on your prior year return or your prior year adjusted gross income.

[Basenji]

Thanks to both DianeW777 and CatinaT1 for your help and time.

To back up just a bit, the main point in the post was confusion presented by TT regarding these 2 PINs. 

TT does a tremendous job of incorporating tax changes, form updates, and 'walk through' and reviews to ensure your tax return is correct and has maximized on potential return or least amount owed.

But there are areas where TT introduces confusion. One of those areas involves these 2 PINs and Driver License input sheet. And there are other areas - but not in this post.

For PINs:

When you get to PIN input; This confusion could be removed by simply adding a sentence or two explaining that this screen is for this specific PIN - DO NOT enter the (other) PIN, it will be entered on a different screen. That other screen will also have a 1 line explanation for the PIN.  A simple statement that specifies what the user needs to enter or verify.

For Driver's License:

When federal portion of Tax return is done and TT moves to State, it should simply ask if you need to file for State. If you imported tax file from 2024 return, TT knows you did or did not file state. TT also knows if States have changed filing rules.  If you did not file for state in 2024 TT should present a question asking if you need to file for state, including a statement if that state income tax filing has changed for 2025. If you answer 'No' to the question TT should skip State portion and move to final review.  If you aren't sure, you answer 'Yes' and continue through the following screens.

If you do not need to file, as it is now TT badgers you for State wants input, needs driver license screen filled out and you simply aren't sure why or what this is needed for. ESPECIALLY since, if you filled the Driver license info out last year (even if you did not need to and did not file for state, and imported the 2024 TT file) - why is it not filled in automatically?  - - result = confusion and hesitation.

The hope and reason for this post is that TT experts will review and remove the confusion in these areas. Improve TT. Please remember - the vast majority of users only use TT once a year and certainly aren't tax experts. If we were why would we need TT.

Thanks