Solution - IRS IP PIN Versus Turbo Tax PIN Turbo Tax 2024

[MarioM1]

I feel that TurboTax need to be clear and precise with their instructions with regards to IP PIN numbers, so I wrote this self-help guide helping fellow tax payers!

For you folks trying to submit your IRS tax returns and getting rejection due to incorrect IP PIN because of the difference of 6-digit pin number from IRS versus 5 digits from TurboTax message; the requirements are two different set of pin numbers. Let me be clear, these are two distinct pin numbers.

For example, the IRS PIN number is number provided by the IRS; to obtain the IRS IP PIN number point your browser to https://www.irs.gov/iden[product key removed]-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin and follow the directions and instructions in obtaining a PIN number. Conversely, you can request one from IRS via snail mail. When you have the IRS PIN number available, simple login to your TurboTax App and follow these directions:

Here's how to enter the IP PIN.

• In TurboTax Home & Business click the personal tab. (In other versions click the Federal Taxes tab.)
• Click "Other Tax Situations.
• Scroll down to the section "Other Return Info."
• Click the Start, Update, or Revisit button for "Identity protection PIN." <--- Enter your IRS IP PIN number
• Save

When you are ready to file your return online, TurboTax you will need to provide and create your own 5-digit PIN number. These numbers are arbitrary created and assigned by you. Do not confuse these numbers with the IRS IP PIN number. Don't get them mixed up, these are not apples to apples but more of apples to oranges in terms of submission.

Submit and expect acceptance email or notification from the IRS.

Happy Filing!

[vk29]

But yu are not saying where to get this 5 digit PIN

[mesquitebean]

@ vk29 

On the "signature" screen that asks for a 5-digit PIN, you can use any 5 digits of your choosing (and the screen should say that) except it can't be all zeros.  Some people use the same 5-digit PIN year after year, but it's not necessary for that signature screen.  A lot of people probably don't even save it.   You can create a new 5-digit PIN every year, if you wish.

There is also another screen that asks for your 2023 AGI to verify your return.    If you did not file a return in 2023, then one would use an AGI of 0.

[MarioM1]

Hello vk29,

As I mentioned earlier, you need to assign an arbitrary pin. For example, create and key in the numbers "12345", your date of birth, or your house or apt number, etc...

Hope this helps.

[wa1fhy]

This has always puzzled me.  Not the 6 digit IRS PIN and the confusion with the 5 digit TT PIN.  I've been doing that right for years.  My question is:  what is the TT PIN actually used for and when would one need it in the future?  Seems to me I just type in 5 random digits during submission and that is the end of it.

[MarioM1]

I believe the 5 digit  TT PIN is an e-file PIN that is used by the IRS to validate the tax return. From a technical perspective, this is a poor man's encryption tunnel or  a band-aid fix to compensate for the lack of AES data encryption during the transmission of financial data to the IRS main frames. Nonetheless, it works and it's cheap to implement.

[nickfk]

Thank you for this!  Was scratching my head and completely missed the pin while going through federal.   Turbo Tax needs to do a better job of reminding you that you had a pin last year before moving forward.

[BJ8Healeys]

I never had a problem using TurboTax for the last 10 years, until now.  I went through TurboTax, filling in the requested information, and completed my return.  Sent it to the IRS and it was rejected.  Said I was missing the AGI for my spouse.  My spouse and I file jointly, and there was no AGI for her to enter, and it wasn't asking for MY AGI.  Managed (miraculously) to contact a real live human person at TurboTax who advised me to enter "0" for her AGI.  Did that, rejected again.  Tried using her PIN from last year.  No go.  So, apparently nothing for it but to mail a hard copy to the IRS.  Yuck!  Why did Turbotax not ask for that info when I was going through the process?

[MarioM1]

Hello,

When you say "Tried using her PIN from last year. No go" are you referring to the Turbo tax 5 digit pin or IRS IP PIN?

If you are referring to her Turbo tax Pin from last year, it should still work. With regards to the IRS IP PIN, this PIN is valid only for the tax year you previously filed for; for 2024 tax you need to create a new IRS IP PIN. Please follow the directions from the previous thread on how to obtain the IRS IP PIN and adding the IRS IP PIN filing in Turbotax.

Cheer!

[NDP]

great help. I agree Turbotax should be clear upfront

[BJ8Healeys]

To my knowledge, I've never had to create a PIN for the Federal so the only PIN available was the one I noted on the envelope holding all the 2023 papers for the 2024 submittal.  That's the one I used.  Rejected.    I've submitted my 2024 return on-line four times, with all rejected.  I've had enough of taxes for this year, so I'm mailing my return.  

Given this experience, I hope TurboTax will be more specific about these PINs in the future.

[MarioM1]

Hello,

I agree, Turbo tax lacks adequate documentation explaining the difference between the  IRS IP PIN number vs. Turbo tax PIN number.

This is an excerpt from the IRS web page:

An identity protection PIN(IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. Even though you may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects your account.

https://www.irs.gov/iden[product key removed]-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

Cheers.

[onoopihi 1]

Thanks for posting this. I went through this very issue with this yrs return. After 3 rejections and the second Turbo Tax rep ( she figured out that I had to input my IRS ID protection pin at the end) and walked me through obtaining one it was a relief to have my return accepted. 

[BJ8Healeys]

Clicking on that link gets me (twice) "Page Not Found.  404 Error".

[MarioM1]

Try this:

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

Cheers!