< Back to IRS

IRS Rejected Return: Need Identity Protection PIN for Dependent Despite Never Requiring One Before - How to Proceed?

Filed my taxes and got rejected because apparently I need an Identity Protection PIN for my daughter. Never needed one before and checked the IRS website - it shows no PIN exists. I'm super confused because we've filed normally every other year without this issue. When I logged onto the IRS website, I saw a notification that says "You are eligible to enroll into the IP PIN Program." It explains that an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. According to the site, "The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. Even though you may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects your account." I also see that "An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year" and "New IP PINs are generated each year and can be retrieved or viewed by signing back into your online account starting in early January." It clearly states that "IP PIN must be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year including prior year returns." There's a section for "FAQs about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)" and an "Enroll in IP PIN" button at sa.www4.irs.gov Has anyone else suddenly needed an IP PIN for their dependent when they never needed one before? I don't understand why this is happening now when we've filed the same way for years with no issues. Do I need to enroll her in this program before I can file again?

Emma Bianchi

Tax pro here - this is happening a lot lately. The IRS has been expanding their Identity PIN program. Check if someone might have claimed your daughter last year or if there was any identity theft reported. You'll need to call the IRS Identity Verification hotline at 800-908-4490 to sort this out.

0 coins

-

Mia Green

ty! will try calling tmrw. its been impossible getting thru to anyone 😤

0 coins

-

2M

Lucas Kowalski

good luck getting anyone on the phone lol I tried for 2 weeks straight 🤡

0 coins

-

2M

Olivia Martinez

Hey! I know this is frustrating. I actually just used taxr.ai to figure out my PIN situation. It costs $4.99 but it analyzes your transcript and tells you exactly what's going on and how to fix it. Saved me hours of phone calls tbh https://taxr.ai

0 coins

-

Charlie Yang

is this legit? seems too good to be true. how does it work?

0 coins

-

2M

Olivia Martinez

100% legit! You upload your transcript and their AI breaks down everything - tells you about PINs, delays, verification needs, everything. Best $5 I ever spent on taxes fr fr

0 coins

-

2M

Charlie Yang

just tried it and OMG WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! It literally told me exactly why I needed a PIN and how to get it fixed 💯

0 coins

-

2M

Grace Patel

same thing happened to me last month. turns out my ex tried claiming our kid without telling me smh

0 coins

-

ApolloJackson

The IRS is such a mess rn. took me 3 months to get my PIN situation fixed last year

0 coins

-

Isabella Russo

only 3 months? ur lucky fam 😭

0 coins

-

2M

Rajiv Kumar

Check ur mail from last few months. Sometimes they send PINs automatically and u might have missed it

0 coins

-

Mia Green

went thru everything twice... nothing from irs anywhere 🤔

0 coins

-

2M

Aria Washington

its getting wild out here with identity theft. irs trying to crack down but making life impossible for everyone else fr

0 coins

-

Liam O'Reilly

facts 💯 cant even file taxes without jumping thru 500 hoops now

0 coins

-

2M