Is IP Pin Needed to File 20

[Bluelex18]

Last year in September of 2024 I went online to the IRS site to request a PIN and got one that was for 2024.  Then a couple days ago I went back online and saw that I have a 2025 new IP PIN.    I then proceeded to OPT out online and it seemed to be successful.   When I go to file my 2024 Taxes do I still need to use that IP PIN, just want to make sure because I'm not sure if OPTing out means that it's for next year or am I good to not use it for this 2025 tax season?

[rjs]

I think that opting out probably means that you do not have to use an IP PIN for your 2024 tax return. Go ahead and try e-filing without the IP PIN. If it gets rejected because the IP PIN is missing, enter the 2025 IP PIN and resubmit the return.

Don't wait until April 14 to try this, but do wait until the IRS actually starts accepting 2024 tax returns later this month. They have not yet announced a date when e-filing will start. TurboTax might let you "e-file" before the IRS opening date, but your tax return is not really filed. TurboTax just holds it until the IRS starts accepting returns.

Opting out of the IP PIN is a new feature. This is the first year that it's possible. You can only opt out if you opted in to get an IP PIN on your own initiative, not if the IRS assigned an IP PIN because you were affected by identity theft.

[Bluelex18]

Thanks.. so to give more context I signed up for the IP PIN last year in September and got a pin then and then a couple days ago I logged in and saw the new PIN for 2025.  So my question is due to the fact that I opted out after the 2025 PIN was already assigned to me that do I still need to enter the PIN when I submit my taxes for the 2024 year.

[rjs]

I don't think you need to enter the IP PIN, but I don't know the answer to your question for sure. My suggestion, as I said before, is to try it without entering the IP PIN. If the e-file is accepted, then you will know that you didn't need the IP PIN. If it's rejected because the IP PIN is missing, then enter the IP PIN and resubmit the tax return.

One point of clarification, and this I am sure about: The 2025 IP PIN is for any tax return that you file IN 2025, no matter what year the tax return is for. So when you file your 2024 tax return in 2025, if you need the IP PIN, you use the 2025 IP PIN. The IP PIN that you had for 2024 is no longer valid.

[Bluelex18]

Thanks!!! So finally was able to get someone from the IRS and the representative said that since the new IP PIN for 2025 was generated and then I opted out afterwards that I need to enter the IP PIN to file my taxes and next year in 2026 I would be opted out.

[Bluelex18]

Also in TurboTax if it does reject it due to the IP PIN is it fairly easy to just re-file it again and how long does it take for them to reject it? Are we talking days or hours?

[Danielbcrane]

OPT OUT OF IP PIN  ( Updated 2025 )

At the bottom of the IRS FAQ,  I found that you have can OPT OUT of receiving your IP PIN.

Login in IRS..gov > Upper right click on  Profile  > Go to the bottom of the page to > Identity Protection PIN > Copy this years code (just in case) > then click OPT OUT > Confirm.

I was able to successfully do so and it takes 72 hours.

Q23. Can I opt-out of the IP PIN program? (updated Dec. 20, 2024)

A23. Yes, if you voluntarily joined the IP PIN program and have not been a victim of tax-related identity theft, then you may opt-out of the IP PIN program. To find out if you are eligible to opt-out, please log into your online account. If you enrolled into the program though the one-time enrollment option, you will be opted out of the program at the end of the calendar year.

[rjs]

---

@Bluelex18 wrote:

Also in TurboTax if it does reject it due to the IP PIN is it fairly easy to just re-file it again and how long does it take for them to reject it? Are we talking days or hours?

---

@Bluelex18 

Once IRS e-filing has started, and they have cleared the backlog of tax returns that the software companies were holding, a federal e-file will usually be accepted or rejected within a day or so, and often sooner.

It's not difficult to correct a rejected tax return and resubmit it. But you shouldn't have to worry about that, now that you know you have to use the IP PIN for 2025.

[Doug Wag]

:When TurboTax asks for a PIN to e-file a return, the box only allows for 5 characters.  The IRS IP PIN is 6 digits, so it's not possible to use it.  I then tried creating a new 5 digit PIN within TurboTax, submitted it and have been rejected multiple times saying I haven't entered a PIN.

[DoninGA]

@Doug Wag 

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

[rjs]

@Doug Wag 

There are two different kinds of PIN. The e-filing PIN is 5 digits. The Identity Protection PIN is 6 digits. If you have an IP PIN you have to enter both types of PIN.

[Bluelex18]

So update the issue on the IP PIN.  I'm confused now whether I will need to enter it when filing my taxes 

for 2024 because when I go into the website now I do not see the IP PIN at all.   I know when I called the

IRS I got mixed answers (like they didn't see to know) so I'm not 100 percent sure if I still need to enter the IP PIN or if I'm actually good not entering it since now when I log in it's no longer showing it and the only option would be to OPT in again to get the IP PIN.   

What would you guys do?

[MonikaK1]

A new IP PIN will be generated each year. If the IRS assigned you an IP PIN, you must use it to confirm your identity on any return filed during the current calendar year. This includes current year returns as well as any delinquent tax returns. An IP PIN is used only on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR and 1040-SS.

The IP PIN is good for the calendar year for which it was issued. It follows the calendar year rather than the tax year for which you are filing. So, if you got an IP PIN in 2024, it is no longer valid and you would need to get a new one for 2025 if you wanted or needed to use one.

See here for more FAQs and answers from the IRS regarding IP PINs.

@Bluelex18 

[Doug Wag]

You are not required to set up an IRS PIN, however it is an added level of security to prevent someone from filing a fraudulent tax return using your social security number.  If you don't have an IRS PIN then you only need to create your 5 digit pin when trying to file electronically via TurboTax.  However, if you do have an IRS PIN, you will need BOTH the IRS PIN and your created 5 digit pin to submit your return.  Unfortunately, TurboTax locates the IRS PIN input in a not so obvious location.  It took me a long time to find it.  It is located under "Federal Taxes/Other Tax Situations/Other Return Information".  I don't know why they didn't put this in the same location as where you enter your 5 digit pin....

[fanfare]

When you opt in you get the PIN for your 2024 tax return right then.

2025 PINs are not assigned.

In Jamuary 2025 IRS mails the PIN for 2024.

It makes no sense for IRS to change your 2024 IP PIN now after giving it to you earlier.

I predict you will still need to use your original 2024 IP PIN.

If you opt out now you are opting out for the future.

@Bluelex18