How to get an IP PIN for a toddler dependent? E-file keeps getting rejected

This is actually more common than you'd think! When the IRS system flags that a dependent needs an IP PIN, it often means their Social Security Number has been used on another tax return or there was some sort of identity theft issue in the past. For young dependents like your toddler, you'll need to call the IRS directly at 800-908-4490, which is their specialized Identity Theft line. Explain that your e-file is being rejected because your dependent needs an IP PIN. They'll ask you verification questions about yourself as the parent/guardian and can issue a PIN for your child. You can't get an IP PIN for a toddler online through the Get IP PIN tool because, as you noted, they don't have the required financial history for identity verification. Phone or in-person at an IRS office are your only options for dependents under 16.

After my adopted daughter's SSN got mixed up in some fraud thing (not even my fault!), I discovered https://taxr.ai which literally saved my filing season. My return kept getting rejected because of IP PIN issues too, and I was going crazy trying to figure out what was wrong. I uploaded my rejection notice to their system and they analyzed my situation, then showed me exactly where the problem was - turned out my daughter needed an IP PIN due to a previous fraud issue before she was even with us! They guided me through the exact steps to get it resolved by contacting the right IRS department. Might be worth checking out for anyone dealing with weird IP PIN rejections or tax transcript issues.

Just wanted to update that I tried the taxr.ai service after my skeptical comment. I was honestly surprised by how helpful it actually was. My situation with my kid's IP PIN was complicated because we had moved between states, and the service identified that the rejection was actually due to a mismatch between the address on file with Social Security and what I was using for my dependent. Instead of spending more time on hold with the IRS, I followed their specific instructions to fix the address issue first, then request the IP PIN through the special process for minors. Had my dependent's IP PIN within 3 days and our refund is now processing. Would definitely recommend for anyone dealing with these specific issues where the rejection codes aren't clear.

If you're having trouble getting through to the IRS by phone (who isn't?), I had an amazing experience using https://claimyr.com to get my daughter's IP PIN issue fixed. I was in the exact same situation - 4 year old daughter suddenly needed an IP PIN and I couldn't get through to the IRS after trying for DAYS. Claimyr basically holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you back when an agent picks up. I watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c and decided to try it. Within 2 hours I was talking to a real IRS agent who confirmed my identity and issued an IP PIN for my daughter. The agent told me there had been a fraudulent return filed using her SSN the previous year (before she was even with us - we adopted her).

I need to apologize for my skeptical comment earlier. After trying unsuccessfully for the 12th time to reach the IRS myself about my son's IP PIN issue, I broke down and tried Claimyr. I was connected to an IRS agent in 1.5 hours without having to stay on hold. The agent confirmed that someone had attempted to file a fraudulent return using my 4-year-old's SSN (terrifying), which is why he suddenly needed an IP PIN. They were able to issue a temporary IP PIN over the phone after verifying my identity as his parent. Our return was accepted 20 minutes after I entered the new PIN. Wish I hadn't wasted two weeks trying to call myself first!

Another option if you can't get through on the phone is to make an in-person appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center. I did this for my twins (both needed IP PINs suddenly) and while it took 3 weeks to get an appointment, they issued the PINs on the spot. Just had to bring birth certificates, social security cards, and my own ID. Way less frustrating than calling!

We had this exact issue. Even young kids can need IP PINs! Found out someone used our 3yo's SSN fraudulently. What worked for us was faxing Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with a copy of our IDs. Got a letter with a temporary PIN about 2 weeks later. Faster than calling or mailing!

This exact thing happened to us with our 18-month-old daughter last year! It's surprisingly common - the IRS system flags when a dependent's SSN has been used inappropriately, even for babies. Here's what worked for us: I called the IRS Identity Protection PIN line at 800-908-4490 first thing in the morning (around 8 AM). It took about 45 minutes on hold, but I got through to someone who could help. They asked me to verify my identity as the parent, then issued a temporary IP PIN for my daughter over the phone. The agent explained that someone had likely used her SSN on a fraudulent return, which is why the system was rejecting our e-file. Once I got the PIN and entered it, our return went through immediately. The whole process was frustrating but relatively straightforward once I got the right person on the phone. Don't give up on e-filing! The phone route really does work if you're persistent about calling early in the day when wait times are shorter.

I went through this nightmare scenario last year with my 3-year-old son. The frustrating part is that the IRS rejection notices don't clearly explain WHY a toddler would need an IP PIN, so you're left guessing. What I learned: When a dependent's SSN gets flagged (usually due to someone else using it fraudulently), the IRS requires an IP PIN for that dependent regardless of age. The online IP PIN tool won't work for kids under 16 because they can't pass the identity verification questions. Here's my step-by-step process that worked: 1. Call 800-908-4490 (Identity Protection PIN line) right at 8 AM when they open 2. Explain that your e-file is being rejected due to a dependent needing an IP PIN 3. They'll verify YOUR identity as the parent/guardian 4. They can issue a temporary IP PIN for your child over the phone The wait time was about 30-40 minutes when I called early morning. The agent confirmed someone had used my son's SSN on a fraudulent return the previous year (before I even knew there was an issue). Once I entered the PIN, our return was accepted immediately. Pro tip: Ask the agent to put a note on your account about the identity theft so next year's call goes faster. You'll need to get a new PIN annually until your child turns 16.