How do I get an IP PIN to file my tax returns? Help needed!

This is actually a really common issue, especially with IP PINs being more widely used now. The good news is that you can retrieve your IP PIN online without having to wait on the phone for hours! Go to the IRS website and search for "Get an IP PIN" or go directly to their Identity Protection PIN tool. You'll need to verify your identity through their secure access system. This requires information from your previous tax return, a credit card or loan account, and a mobile phone in your name. Once verified, you can immediately view your IP PIN. If you can't verify your identity online (which happens to many people), then unfortunately you'll need to make an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center to get your IP PIN in person, or keep trying the specialized IP PIN phone line at 800-908-4490.

I actually had this exact same problem last tax season! After hours of frustration, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me figure out the whole IP PIN situation. They have this tool that analyzes your tax documents and helps identify issues like missing IP PINs. The site guided me through exactly what documents I needed to retrieve my PIN and how to properly input it when filing. What I really liked was that they explained why I was assigned an IP PIN in the first place (turns out I had been a victim of identity theft without even knowing it). They showed me how to set up proper notifications so I wouldn't miss my PIN letter next year.

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai and it was actually super helpful! The site analyzed my situation and correctly identified that I could use the online retrieval tool even though I had a credit freeze in place (I just had to temporarily lift it). It gave me step-by-step instructions specific to my situation. The best part was that it helped me understand WHY I had been assigned an IP PIN in the first place. Turns out there had been suspicious activity with my SSN last year. I was able to file my taxes successfully with the retrieved PIN and also set up better identity monitoring. Already received my refund too! Much better than the endless hours I spent trying to figure this out on my own.

After dealing with the IP PIN struggle myself last year, I discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and it literally saved my sanity. Like you, I was getting nowhere waiting on hold with the IRS for hours. Claimyr actually holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you when an agent is ready to talk. I was super skeptical at first but you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. I used it, and instead of wasting 3+ hours on hold, I got a call back when an actual IRS agent was on the line. The agent helped me verify my identity and issued me a new IP PIN right there on the call. I was able to file my taxes that same day.

I wanted to follow up after being so skeptical about Claimyr. I actually tried it yesterday out of desperation, and I'm shocked to say it worked perfectly. After months of trying to get my IP PIN and failing to get through to the IRS, I got a callback within about 2 hours. The IRS agent was able to verify my identity and give me my IP PIN over the phone. I was able to file my return immediately after the call. I can't believe I wasted so many hours on hold before discovering this. Just wanted to let everyone know it's legit and works exactly as described. Definitely worth it for anyone struggling with IP PIN issues who can't verify their identity online.

One thing nobody's mentioned - if you're getting an IP PIN but didn't request one, you should also check your credit reports ASAP. The IRS sometimes assigns IP PINs to people who've been victims of identity theft. Go to annualcreditreport.com and check all three bureaus for accounts you don't recognize. I found out someone had tried to file a fraudulent return in my name which is why I suddenly needed an IP PIN. After getting my PIN sorted out, I had to place fraud alerts and spend months cleaning up the aftermath of the identity theft.

Has anyone had luck getting an IP PIN with a foreign address? I'm an expat living abroad and can't get past the address verification step in the online system. The international IRS number is even harder to get through on than the domestic one.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! What worked for me was creating an IRS online account first at irs.gov/account. Once you have that set up, you can access the "Get an IP PIN" tool more easily. The key thing that helped me was having my prior year tax return handy - you'll need the exact AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from line 11 of your 2023 Form 1040. Also make sure you're using a phone number that's been in your name for a while, as that's part of their verification process. If the online verification fails (which happens to about 30% of people), don't panic! You can still call the IP PIN hotline at 800-908-4490, but try calling right when they open at 7 AM EST - that's when you have the best chance of getting through quickly. I got through in about 20 minutes when I called first thing in the morning. The $3,200 refund should still come through fine once you get your PIN and file. The IRS actually processes refunds pretty quickly once they receive a complete return - usually within 21 days. Good luck!