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New Member
posted Apr 11, 2025 5:30:13 AM

IP PIN

I am trying to e-file a joint return where the taxpayer has a 5-digit self-select PIN and the spouse has a 6-digit IP PIN. This IP PIN was entered correctly under "Other Tax Situations"/ "Other Return Information"/"Identity Protection PIN".

When I go to e-file the return I get an error message from TurboTax indicating that I need to provide a 5-digit self-select PIN for the souse in order to move forward. Since the leading digit of the IP PIN was "0", I used the remaining five numbers in the Self-Select Pin Box so that I could get past the TurboTax error. This allowed me to move forward in TurboTax, but when I e-filed the return, it was rejected because it had the incorrect PIN.

I need some guidance on how I can e-file this return leaving the Self-Select PIN blank while still being able to move forward to e-filing the return with the correct IP PIN.

 

0 6 1604
6 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 11, 2025 6:01:18 AM

You can use the IRS website ID.me to request it.

  • This IRS issued PIN is 6 digits long.
  • Your signature ID (also called a self-select PIN) is a random 5-digit number you entered last year, right before you submitted your return.

New Member
Apr 11, 2025 6:08:10 AM

When I use the self-select PIN from last year, the e-filed return gets rejected by the IRS for not being the correct IP PIN.

Expert Alumni
Apr 11, 2025 6:15:45 AM

The self-select Pin is 5 digits and different than the IP PIN, which is 6 digits.

 

The IP Pin will change each and every year. This is an Identity Protection Pin.  

  

You can get an Identity Protection pin here, or if you lost your IP PIN, you can go here to Retrieve IP PIN. 

 

Here are two ways to navigate to the section to enter the 6 digit IP PIN: 

  

  1. Log in and open your return ("Take me to my return") 
  2. Once the return is open, then go to the Federal Taxes tab. 
  3. Subtab Other Tax Situations 
  4. Scroll down to Other Return Info. 
  5. Choose Identity Protection PIN and Start (or Revisit.) 
  6. Next screen asks:  "Did you or any of your dependents get an IP PIN from the IRS for this year's taxes?" 

Or another way: 

  1. Open your return if not already open.  ("Take me to my return.") 
  2. Once the return is open, click at the top on MY ACCOUNT, then choose TOOLS. 
  3. In the Tools window choose TOPIC SEARCH. 
  4. Enter IP PIN without quotes. 
  5. In the selection list highlight IP PIN and click GO. 
  6. Next screen asks:  "Did you or any of your dependents get an IP PIN from the IRS for this year's taxes?" 

New Member
Apr 11, 2025 7:50:39 AM

Thanks for your response. I followed both of your procedures. I confirmed that the correct IP PIN was listed, but I never got the next screen that asks: "Did you or any of your dependents get an IP PIN from the IRS for this year's taxes?"

Level 15
Apr 11, 2025 7:55:01 AM

@PhilM51 wrote:

Thanks for your response. I followed both of your procedures. I confirmed that the correct IP PIN was listed, but I never got the next screen that asks: "Did you or any of your dependents get an IP PIN from the IRS for this year's taxes?"

Use this procedure -

To enter, edit or delete a 6 digit IP PIN

Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home and Business)
Click on Other Tax Situations
Scroll down to Other Return Info
On Identity Protection PIN, click the start button

New Member
Apr 11, 2025 7:58:52 AM

I did not know that the ID PIN changes every year. This explains the problem. I will have to contact the individual involved to see if he received another CPO1A form with the correct ID PIN for 2024.

 

Thanks so much for clarifying this. I greatly appreciate your help.