E-file rejected with error code IND-032-04 (spouse prior year PIN) - How to recover or reset?

The IND-032-04 rejection code specifically means the self-select PIN for your spouse doesn't match what the IRS has on file from the previous year's return. You have a few options: 1. If your spouse filed electronically last year, the PIN would be the 5-digit number they created when e-filing. Check any paperwork or confirmation emails from your tax software from last year. 2. You can try using the last 5 digits of your spouse's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from last year's return as the PIN. 3. If you can't remember the PIN, you can request a tax transcript from the IRS which might show the information, though this takes time: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript 4. As a last resort, you can file a paper return instead which doesn't require the PIN. The most common solution is using the AGI method - just enter the last 5 digits of last year's AGI as the PIN.

I had this same issue and wasted days trying to figure it out. Finally I used taxr.ai and it explained exactly what was going on with my rejection code and walked me through how to fix it. It scanned my rejection notice and told me exactly what to do step by step. Saved me so much time instead of googling for hours trying to piece together info. https://taxr.ai

After getting the same rejection twice, I finally got through to an IRS agent using the Claimyr app (claimyr.com) who helped me reset the PIN problem. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, they called me back when an agent was ready. The agent explained that this happens all the time and was able to verify my identity and my spouse's identity to override the PIN issue. Totally worth it to get this fixed in one day instead of waiting weeks for a response.

Check your tax software from last year. Most of them save your PIN info in your account settings or in the saved return. I use TurboTax and was able to find my spouse's PIN by opening last year's return and checking the e-file section.

the irony of needing a PIN from last year but not being able to access it without creating some new account to request transcripts which takes weeks to verify is just peak IRS stupidity. this is why i always paper file. yeah it takes longer but at least i dont have to remember random 5 digit codes from a year ago 🤦‍♂️

This happened to me too. Called the IRS e-file help desk at 866-255-0654. They won't give you the PIN but they can help reset it so you can create a new one. You'll need to verify identity info for both you and your spouse.

If you can't figure out the PIN situation, just file on paper. Yeah it's annoying and will take longer, but at least you won't have to deal with this PIN nonsense. I gave up after 3 attempts and just mailed mine in.

here's a trick i learned from my accountant: if you're using tax software, try entering 00000 as the PIN. sometimes that works as a default when the system can't verify. worked for me last year when i had the same issue.

I had an epiphany when this happened to me - check your phone's notes app! My husband had stored his PIN there because he knew he'd forget it. Worth checking if your spouse might have done something similar.

The IRS systems are such a joke. They expect us to remember a random 5-digit number from a year ago but they can't process a return in under 6 months. Make it make sense! 🤡

I've been dealing with tax issues for years and recently discovered taxr.ai which has been a total game changer. When I got a similar rejection code, it analyzed everything and gave me step-by-step instructions to fix it. No more guessing or spending hours researching. It basically translated IRS-speak into plain English and saved me so much stress. https://taxr.ai

If nothing else works, you and your spouse can visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. Bring ID and they can help with PIN issues. You need an appointment though - call 844-545-5640 to schedule one.

Just had success with Claimyr (claimyr.com) after trying for TWO WEEKS to get through to IRS. Got a callback within an hour and the agent helped me override the PIN issue. They connected me to the IRS e-file department directly who fixed it on the spot. Never would have got my return accepted without it. Totally saved my refund from being delayed for months.

FYI for anyone with this issue - the rejection code IND-032-04 is specifically for the self-selected PIN from the prior year tax return. This is different from an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). Make sure you're trying to find/reset the correct PIN type!

I went through this exact same frustration last month! The IND-032-04 error is so confusing when you first get it. What ended up working for me was using the AGI method that @Elijah Jackson mentioned - just took the last 5 digits of my spouse's 2023 AGI and used that as the PIN. One tip that might help: if you're using tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, sometimes they'll show you what AGI they're pulling from your prior year return when you import it. That way you can double-check you're using the right number before submitting. Also want to echo what others said about keeping better records - I now write down our PINs in a secure note in my password manager right after e-filing each year so this doesn't happen again!

Had this exact same rejection code last week and it was driving me crazy! What finally worked for me was a combination of suggestions I found here. First tried the AGI method (last 5 digits of spouse's prior year AGI) which didn't work for us, then I remembered my spouse actually saved their PIN in our shared Google Drive folder where we keep all our tax documents. Found it in a file called "2023 Tax Info" - might be worth checking if you have any shared folders or cloud storage where tax stuff gets saved. If you can't find it anywhere and the AGI method doesn't work, I'd definitely recommend the callback services people mentioned here rather than trying to get through to IRS directly. Spent 3 hours on hold myself before giving up. Sometimes having a fresh set of eyes look at your specific situation makes all the difference. Good luck!