PIN problems

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
March 3, 2022
2 replies
34 views

I have just now gone on my online account and received another six-digit PIN from the IRS.

However, the e-filing form requires a five-digit PIN. I have checked tax forms going back five years and none has a five-digit PIN. I've also checked all my IRS paperwork, going back years, and can find no CP01A Notice supplying my required IP PIN.

TurboTax Premier says that when I enter my five-digit PIN I "can make up any number."

I have made up numbers twice now and the IRS has rejected both filings.

The "Let's Take a Look at Your Return" page on TurboTax suggests I consult irs.gov/get-an-ippin to get a new PIN. But the PIN offered there is a six digit PIN, not a five-digit PIN.

Please help.

Thanks,

David Lewis

[email address removed]

SForrestLO

Level 11

You can view this Turbo Tax FAQ on 5-digit verification PIN.
What is my signature ID?

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davidslewisAuthor

Level 2

I read your "What is my signature ID?" message. Thank you.

However, it did not work. I found what I took to be last year's five-digit PIN, and that for my wife. I am absolutely positive this is the PIN I used last year, but it, too, was rejected by the IRS.

"What is my signature ID?" says that, "If you forgot last year's signature ID, you'll need to provide your 2020 AGI for verification purposes."

I did provide by 2020 AGI, but that didn't work either.

What can I do?

David Lewis

fanfare

Level 15

@davidslewis

If you want to e-File with just a five-digit PIN, that is a PIN you selected last year at e-File time and which you wrote down and put in a safe place.

If you don't have it, leave that box empty.

If IRS sent you a six-digit IP PIN, you must enter it or e-File is REJECTED.

If you get the message AGI or PIN doesn't match, try AGI = zero.

If this does not work, you have to file a paper tax return via US Mail.

Mdesio

Level 2

The federal government gives us each a 6 digit personal Identification code. Why can’t we use this when filing?

mesquitebean

Level 15

@ Mdesio wrote:
The federal government gives us each a 6 digit personal Identification code. Why can’t we use this when filing?

This answer is mostly for Online TurboTax, since you didn't specify what you are using.

The 6-digit IP PIN is not entered in the FILE section at the time of efiling. It is in another topic in the interview prior to that.

Here are 3 ways to get to the right place to enter the IP PIN in Online TurboTax. You only need to use one method. You can choose which method works for you the best.

Once you've logged in and opened the interview back up, click in the top right on the Search icon.
When the search box appears, enter the term IP PIN without quotes. When entering, ignore the dropdown menu, and instead click the small adjacent magnifying glass on that same line.
Then click on Jump to IP PIN.

Or here's a second way:

With your return open, click in the left menu column on TAX TOOLS, then choose TOOLS.
In the Tools window choose TOPIC SEARCH.
Enter the term IP PIN without quotes.
In the selection list highlight IP PIN and click GO.

Or here's a third navigation method:

With your return open, in the left menu column, click Federal.
Then at the top of the screen choose Other Tax Situations.
If this is your first time in that section, answer the preliminary questions, and it may ask you if you have an IP PIN. If so, indicate "yes", and keep following the screens as it guides you to enter it.
If it doesn't, such as if you've previously been in that section, click on "See all uncommon tax situations" to see all the topics in that section.
In the "Uncommon tax situations" list, scroll down to Other Return Info, and expand to see the subtopics, one of which is Identity Protection PIN.