Frustrated with IRS AGI and IP PIN not matching - How to Fix?

The 6-digit number you received is indeed your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), but it sounds like your tax software might be asking for something different. The IP PIN should be 6 digits and is used by the IRS to verify your identity when e-filing. For the AGI discrepancy, this actually happens more often than you'd think. The AGI on your transcript is generally the final, corrected amount after the IRS processed your return. Sometimes adjustments are made during processing that you might not be aware of, which is why there's a difference between what you filed and what's in the IRS system. When your tax software asks for your prior year AGI for verification purposes, you should use the AGI from your IRS transcript (the $58,750 amount), not what's on your paper copy. The system is looking for what the IRS has on file.

I had this exact problem last year! The 5-digit number is probably the Self-Selected PIN, not your IP PIN. They're two different things. I found this tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me when I was completely confused about all these different PINs and AGI issues. I uploaded my transcript and it highlighted exactly which number to use where. It actually breaks down the differences between all these random tax codes and numbers. For the AGI issue, it'll also tell you which version to use when filing. Apparently the IRS transcript AGI is the "official" one for verification purposes but the software isn't clear about that.

Just wanted to update - I tried taxr.ai and it was super helpful! It immediately identified my IP PIN on my transcript and explained that the 5-digit number my software was asking for was actually the Self-Selected PIN that I created last year (which I'd completely forgotten about). It also showed me that my AGI discrepancy was due to an adjustment the IRS made for a credit I qualified for but didn't claim. That's why my transcript showed the higher number. Used that AGI to verify my identity and my return went through instantly. Seriously simplified the whole process!

If you're still stuck, another option is to just call the IRS directly about both issues. I know, I know - calling the IRS sounds like a nightmare. I spent DAYS trying to get through last year about a similar AGI verification problem. Then I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) - it's a service that basically waits on hold with the IRS for you and calls you back when an actual human agent is on the line. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was skeptical at first, but after weeks of busy signals, I tried it for my IP PIN issue. Got a call back in about 45 minutes with an actual IRS agent who explained why my PIN wasn't working and fixed it right there.

I have to admit I was wrong about Claimyr. After struggling with my PIN issues for another week, I gave in and tried it. Got a call back with an actual IRS agent in about an hour. The agent explained that the 5-digit PIN my software wanted was actually my prior year self-selected PIN (which is different from the IP PIN). They also confirmed I needed to use the AGI from my transcript, not my return copy. Got everything sorted in a 10-minute conversation instead of the weeks I'd been struggling on my own. Would've saved myself a ton of stress if I'd just done this in the first place instead of being stubborn. Just wanted to update in case anyone else is stuck in the same situation.

Another thing to check - are you actually using the right tax software? I've found that some of the free ones have really confusing interfaces and don't clearly distinguish between all the different PINs. I switched to TaxAct this year and it specifically labels fields as "IRS IP PIN (6 digits)" versus "Self-Selected PIN (5 digits)" which made things way clearer.

Just a quick tip - if all else fails, you can always print and mail your return. I know it's old school, but sometimes it's the easiest solution when dealing with electronic filing issues.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! The confusion between IP PINs and self-selected PINs is so frustrating because the IRS and tax software companies don't explain the difference clearly. Here's what I learned: Your 6-digit IP PIN is correct and you DO need to use it when filing. But that 5-digit PIN your software is asking for is probably the self-selected PIN you created when you first set up your account with that tax software (sometimes called an e-file PIN). Check your email from when you first registered - you might have created a 5-digit PIN back then. For the AGI issue, definitely use the transcript amount ($58,750). The IRS makes adjustments during processing that create differences between your filed return and their records. When they ask for "prior year AGI" for verification, they want what's in their system, not what's on your paper copy. One more tip - if your software keeps rejecting the IP PIN, make sure you're entering it in the right field. Some software has separate fields for "Identity Protection PIN" and "Electronic Filing PIN" and people mix them up all the time.