Help! Turbotax did not ask me for my IRS Identity Protection PIN!

[xoxo232]

Help! I recently created an IRS account online via ID.Me and subsequently received my IP PIN with instructions on how to enter my IP PIN on my Federal tax return. My problem is I am ready to e-file my federal return via Turbotax, but Turbotax has NOT asked me to enter my IP PIN anywhere! The only PIN mentioned is the 5 digit "Self-Select PIN" which was pre-filled in when I got to that step. I am panicking as the instructions that came with my new IP PIN clearly state that "You must use the IP PIN on all federal income tax returns 1040 ..." Now I am afraid to e-file for fear my return will be rejected due to not entering my IP PIN!

[JosephS1]

An IP PIN is only valid for 1 year from date of issuance and it applies to the year that you received it.  If you only just received your IP PIN it will be for when you file your 2023 tax return.  It normally would not be valid for your 2022 return since you just applied and received it unless the IRS specified that it is what it is for.  If for whatever reason the IRS rejects your return for the IP PIN not being entered, it is a simple matter to correct the rejection and refile.  You will not be charged any additional fees if that should happen.

Should a rejection occur you will be notified and a link to correct your return will show when you log back in to TurboTax.  Follow these steps if it should occur:

1. On the left click on "Other Tax Situations"
2. Scroll down to "Other Return Info" and click on the arrow for "Show more"
3. Click on "Start" at "Identity Protection Pin" and follow the instructions to specify who received the PIN and what the number is.
4. Click Done
5. Click Let's keep going and you will return to the main entry screen.

How do I add or delete my IP PIN?

@xoxo232 

[xoxo232]

I did some more searching and discovered where I needed to go within Turbotax to enter my IP PIN. It's in the "Other Tax Situations" tab then scroll down to the "Other Return Info" section then click on top item "Identify Protection PIN." Damnit this was not intuitive at all IMO! I was expecting to be asked for my IP PIN during the e-file process - NOT smack in the middle of entering all my other tax info! 

[xoxo232]

Oh no! I feel totally pathetic! I see now that my new IP PIN is, in fact, for 2023 and not for 2022. Well, I just mistakenly used it for my 2022 e-file so now I guess I just sit back and wait for my return to be rejected!

[xoxo232]

WTH! My e-filed federal return was just accepted! Can anyone provide any insight into how/why they accepted it even though I used my IP PIN for 2023?

[CatinaT1 · Accepted solution]

I think this link will answer your question—specifically, the answer to Question 11.

FAQs about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)

[xoxo232]

Thx for that info CatinaT. I read question #11 on your FAQ link. It is somewhat reassuring, but I'm still a little ambiguous. What is the definition of a "prior year return?" Is the the 2022 Federal return I just e-filed considered a prior year return? If it is, then I guess I was correct to use my IP PIN when I e-filed earlier today. I also just re-read the instructions that I printed out when I received my IP PIN and one of the bullet points states the following:

"You must use the IP PIN on all federal income tax returns 1040 and 1040 PR/SS and any delinquent returns filed during the current calendar year."

So maybe I'm okay after all. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did get email confirmation that my e-filed return was accepted so I hope all is good. Thanks again!

[Jumbo123]

Exactly what I was looking for. Why TurboTax doesn't proactively ask for this is beyond any comprehension.

[DomsDad]

For some bizarre reason, TT desktop does not proactively ask you about IP PINs.  You have to dig around to find where to enter them if you remember that you have one.