TurboTax 2023 IRS 6 digit PIN bug

[jlkaz37]

In attempting to e-file my 2023 Income Tax, the IRS sent the error IND-181-01 IP PIN error. It wanted the 6 digit  PIN IRS mailed me in January -- which is completely different from the 5 digit PIN TutboTax needs for filing.

The problem is that TuboTax never mentions this 6 digit PIN (and that one should not confuse it with its own 5 digit pin). 

After some *hours* of frustration, I realized that the PRINTED Form 1040 quietly requires this PIN at the end of the form (near the signature and occupation).  It is particularly vital if one is seeking a refund because of overpayment.   Without this PIN IRS does not want to process the refund.

SOLUTION:  Go to the the actual form and enter this data by hand.  I very much doubt that most ordinary TurboTax users would realize this or know how to do it.

To fix this,  TurboTax should add a sentence where users enter their data: name and occupation etc, . The sentence should say that if IRS mailed them this 6 digit security PIN, then enter it here.

The problem was intense annoyed frustration with TurboTax.  I hesitate to buy it again next year.  This bug is really simple to fix once one understands the problem..

[CatinaT1]

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?" 

[bentleyj1953]

Could you be more specific about which form asks for the IRS PIN.  I can't find it.  Thanks

[RachelW33]

In TurboTax Desktop, please follow these steps to enter your IP PIN:

1. Open your return
2. Select the Federal Taxes tab
3. Scroll down to Other Return Info and select Start next to Identity Protection PIN 
4. Answer Yes on the screen Did you get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS for this year's taxes?
5. Select the blue Add box next to the name you wish to enter an IP PIN
6. Enter the IP PIN and select Continue
7. Select the blue Done box

@bentleyj1953 

[bentleyj1953]

Thank you for the prompt reply.

OK, I've done that and it's still rejected for the PIN reason.  My wife does not have a PIN so the field is blank.   I thought I saw somewhere that only one person needs a PIN but maybe in fact both of us need it.  So we'll get it for her.

John

[CatinaT1]

IP Pin's are issued individually, so anyone that has one has to include one. This may mean only one person on your return has an IP Pin or it may mean everyone needs an IP Pin. It just depends on which individuals have requested IP Pins.

You should also know these pins change each year and will need to be included every year going forward.

[bentleyj1953]

Your answer worked.  Thank you very much.

But one clarification, for anyone interested. 

The  IP PIN is different from the Filing PIN.  The IRS assigns the 6-digit IP PIN, it is good for only one year, and for a joint filing only one filer needs a PIN.  The 5-digit Filing PIN is needed for both people on a joint account but can be reused year-to-year.