How to get an IP PIN for my toddler dependent - e-file keeps getting rejected

This is actually more common than you might think with the IRS's increased security measures. When the system requires an IP PIN for a dependent (even a young child), it usually means one of two things: either the dependent's Social Security Number was previously used on another tax return, or there was some kind of identity theft flag on their record. For a toddler, you'll need to call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit directly at 800-908-4490. Explain the situation and that your e-file is being rejected. They can verify your identity as the parent/guardian and issue an IP PIN for your child. The online system won't work for minors who can't pass the verification requirements. Keep in mind you'll need to prove your identity and relationship to the child, so have your previous year's tax return, the child's Social Security card, and birth certificate ready when you call.

I went through the EXACT same situation last year with my 3-year-old. After multiple failed e-filing attempts, I discovered https://taxr.ai which saved me so much time and frustration. I uploaded my rejection notice and it immediately identified that my daughter needed an IP PIN because her SSN had been incorrectly entered on someone else's return the previous year (my ex-husband had made a typo when filing). Their system walked me through the whole process of getting her PIN resolved including generating the right IRS forms and providing a step-by-step guide specific to my situation. Really recommend checking them out before spending hours on hold with the IRS - the platform has specific guidance for dependent IP PIN issues.

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here. I was skeptical at first but it really helped with my CP2000 notice. More importantly for anyone with the IP PIN issue - they have a specific section for dependent IP PIN problems where you can upload your rejection notice. The system explained that in cases with young dependents, you need to use Form 15227 (Application for an Identity Protection PIN) and submit it with proof of identity. They even generated the form with my information pre-filled and provided the fax number to send it to for faster processing. Definitely easier than trying to figure it out through the standard IRS channels!

I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone at the IRS about this exact issue with my 4-year-old. After getting disconnected four times, I found https://claimyr.com and watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. It's basically a service that waits on hold with the IRS for you and then calls you when an actual agent is on the line. I was super doubtful it would work, but I was desperate. They got me connected to an IRS Identity Protection specialist in about 45 minutes (while I just went about my day). The agent confirmed my identity, verified my relationship to my son, and issued a temporary IP PIN on the spot. I was able to e-file that same day and got my refund in 2 weeks.

I need to eat some humble pie here. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try Claimyr anyway because my patience with the IRS had completely run out. I was trying to get an IP PIN for my 5-year-old daughter after our return was rejected. It actually worked perfectly. I got a call back in about an hour telling me an IRS agent was on the line. The agent was able to verify my identity, confirm my daughter's information, and issue a temporary IP PIN over the phone. We successfully e-filed that evening. For anyone dealing with the dependent IP PIN issue, definitely recommend this route instead of wasting days trying to get through on your own. I've never been happier to be wrong about something!

Another option you might consider is going through a tax professional. My H&R Block preparer was able to submit some kind of special verification form when we had this issue with our daughter last year. They have direct channels to resolve IP PIN issues that aren't available to individual filers.

Has anyone tried just mailing in their return when this happens? I'm having the same problem but don't want to deal with the IRS phone system at all. What's the typical processing time for paper returns these days?

I went through this exact same nightmare last year with my 3-year-old daughter. After multiple rejected e-files and hours wasted on hold, I discovered the issue was that someone had incorrectly used her SSN on their return the previous year (turned out to be a data entry error at a tax prep chain). Here's what finally worked: I called the IRS Identity Protection line at 800-908-4490 early in the morning (around 7:15 AM EST) and actually got through in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to see the duplicate SSN usage in their system and issued a temporary IP PIN over the phone that was valid for 30 days. The key is having all your documentation ready - your previous year's tax return, your child's Social Security card, birth certificate, and the rejection notice from your tax software. They'll verify your identity as the parent and can resolve it in one call. If you absolutely can't get through by phone, you can also submit Form 15227 (Application for an Identity Protection PIN) by fax to 855-807-5720, but that takes 2-3 weeks to process. The phone route is definitely faster if you can get connected. Don't give up on e-filing - mailing returns is taking 3-4 months right now and you'll be waiting forever for your refund!